Lena is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and statistical modeling.
A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our career trajectories.
Two publishing professionals who left their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.
"I invested all my energy into the job... I had faith in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos were absent," she says.
The two opted to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about it can assist you process it.
"People rely on so many alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.
"It's the fast track to anything you wish to do next," she continues.
Currently, they are thriving in different roles, with one running her own firm and the other serving as top editor for a luxury magazine.
If you've been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, these are four methods that can help.
It's natural to feel some apprehension about work following time off.
A professional advisor highlights the necessity of looking back before embarking on a new job search.
She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.
Reviewing your achievements to find underlying threads can also help. "Try not to considering only the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she states.
A former editor states it is vital to decide where your work occupies in your life.
This requires being honest about how much time you're working and its impact on your social life.
After her own experience, she advises not allowing yourself be shaped solely by your work.
The advisor says people can make small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.
She herself required a long period to move from her corporate career to managing a company completely, developing the venture alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.
"It took a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she says.
She advocates for a test-run strategy.
This could be volunteering, joining a professional project that interests you, or accepting a different task within your current team.
"The worst outcome, you discover you don't like, but it's preferable to know now than after you've made the move," she remarks.
Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact field.
"It's about giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, however, that is not for all time.
"That can be a very smart strategy for moving nearer to your new career."
For anyone who has just left your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased significantly in recent times.
A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she and her team were made redundant after the company closed the print version.
Recognizing that this event was not indicative of her performance allowed her to process the change.
"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were dismissed.
"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to remember their own value."
Another professional lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the arrival of a different editor.
She notes that so much of the embarrassment of job loss is in your head.
"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."
For those who are actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to apply hastily for any job – disregarding your own happiness.
But this is a major error.
Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "reviewing" – focusing your search on job descriptions that sound interesting.
She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.
"Look for {the words|the
Lena is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and statistical modeling.