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The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our work lives.

A pair of editors who lost their positions after corporate restructures at first believed their world had ended.

"I invested all my energy into the job... I believed in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," she remarks.

They both opted to use the term "fired" and suggest that being transparent about what happened can assist you process it.

"There are so many soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid about it, the faster you can move on.

"It's the direct path to what you desire next," she continues.

Today, they are thriving in different roles, with one running her own media company and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, here are four strategies to assist you.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's common to have some apprehension concerning your career post-festive period.

A careers coach highlights the necessity of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to do more of, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes them.

Reviewing your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she states.

Another professional notes it is vital to decide what place your job plays in your life.

This involves being candid about the amount of time you spend working and the influence on your family and social life.

After her own experience, she advises preventing yourself be shaped solely by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

The expert states that individuals can take gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to managing her own company entirely, building the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It took more time, but that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests a "try before you buy" strategy.

This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to know now than after you've committed fully," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, but they serve as a move towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.

"It's about granting yourself the space to accept this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.

"That represents a very smart tactic to get nearer to that new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

If you've just left your position, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased markedly lately.

One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but in 2022 her entire team lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.

Recognizing that this situation was not a reflection of her ability helped her process the change.

"Your experience remains with you just because you were let go.

"Don't give up your power, it's vital for everybody to recall their own value."

The other editor was fired after a decade in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She stresses that much of the stigma of dismissal is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

When you're desperately seeking employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends an exercise called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that seem appealing.

She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that you like.

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