The start of a new year can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that encompasses considering our work lives.
A pair of editors who left their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.
"I poured all my energy into the job... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," a former editor says.
Both individuals opted to employ the word "dismissed" and argue that being honest about what happened can aid you handle the experience.
"There are numerous euphemisms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can advance.
"It's the fast track to what you want to do next," she continues.
Now, they are thriving in different roles, with one owning her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.
If you've been laid off or are contemplating a change, consider these four approaches to assist you.
It's common to have some apprehension about work after a holiday break.
A careers coach stresses the value of reflection before starting a new job search.
She advises people to consider what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.
Looking back at your achievements to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede your judgment," she adds.
Another professional says it is vital to decide where your work fits in your life.
This involves being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your family and family life.
Following her job loss, she suggests preventing your identity be dictated by your job.
She says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.
She took seven years to move from her corporate career to managing her own business entirely, building her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.
"It required more time, however, that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she explains.
She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.
This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting something different at your present job.
"The worst outcome, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've made the move," she states.
She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as a move towards your goal, for example a position with similarities to your target field, but in a different field.
"It's about allowing yourself the permission to say this is good for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That represents an intelligent approach for getting closer to your desired transition."
If you've just left your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have surged to high levels in recent times.
She was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team were made redundant when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.
Realizing that this situation was not a reflection of her skills assisted her cope with the situation.
"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you were dismissed.
"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own value."
Another professional was let go after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.
She notes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.
"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."
If you're actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.
However, this represents a big misstep.
Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that seem appealing.
She advises searching professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.
"Look for {the words|the
A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and sharing winning strategies.
