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The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated my heart into the job... I believed in the principles we stood for. But in my case, that ethos didn't apply," one of them states.

Both individuals chose to use the term "let go" and argue that being open about it can aid you handle the experience.

"We use countless euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can move on.

"That is the direct path to what you wish to pursue next," she continues.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning a media business and the other holding the position of top editor for a luxury magazine.

If you've lost your job or are considering a shift, these are four strategies that can help.

1. Consider The Past Year

It's typical to feel some unease concerning your career post-festive period.

A careers coach emphasizes the necessity of reflection before embarking on the search for a new role.

She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.

Examining your past successes to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid just looking at the last month, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder your judgment," she notes.

A former editor notes it is crucial to decide the role of work occupies in your life.

This means being candid regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your family and social life.

After her own experience, she suggests against letting yourself be defined by your work.

2. Make Gradual Moves

She notes that professionals can take incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She herself required a long period to move from a traditional job to managing her own business completely, building her project while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It needed a bit longer, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include volunteer work, joining a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to a different task within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.

Additionally, she suggests looking into interim roles. They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It involves allowing yourself the space to say this works for now, but that isn't permanent.

"That represents a clever approach for moving closer to that new career."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged to high levels recently.

A former editor was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs after the company ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability helped her handle the transition.

"Your experience doesn't go away just because you lost your job.

"Don't give up your power, it's vital for all individuals to remember their own value."

The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.

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

4. Create a Job Search List

If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search down to role profiles that sound interesting.

She advises browsing professional networks and collecting several that seem promising.

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