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The beginning of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who lost their roles following company reorganizations at first believed their world had ended.

"I poured my heart into the position... I trusted in the values we championed. But in my case, those values didn't apply," a former editor states.

Both individuals chose to use the term "fired" and believe that being honest about what happened can aid you deal with the experience.

"People rely on countless alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the faster you can progress.

"That's the quickest route to whatever you desire next," she adds.

Now, they are succeeding in different roles, with one running a media business and another serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've been made redundant or are contemplating a change, these are four strategies to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

It's typical to feel some unease concerning your career after a holiday break.

A professional advisor highlights the necessity of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their energy.

Looking back at your achievements to spot common themes is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she notes.

Another professional says it is vital to establish the role of work fits in your life.

This means being honest about how much time you're working and the influence on your social life.

After her own experience, she recommends against letting your identity be defined by your work.

2. Take Incremental Actions

The advisor says people can implement small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took seven years to move from a corporate role to running her own business entirely, working on her idea alongside her job, which meant financial stability.

"It took additional time, however, that was my approach sustainably," she says.

She suggests an experimental approach.

This could be pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task in your existing role.

"If it fails, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.

Additionally, she suggests considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as progress in the right direction, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact field.

"It means allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is a very smart approach to get closer to a new career."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has just left your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen markedly lately.

One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously she were laid off after the company ceased print operations.

Understanding that this was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.

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

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recall their intrinsic value."

The other editor was fired after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the arrival of new leadership.

She notes that much of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so don't carry that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – narrowing your search to only job descriptions that capture your interest.

She recommends exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that seem promising.

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