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A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our work lives.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed their world had ended.

"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values were absent," one of them says.

They both chose to use the term "fired" and believe that being transparent about the situation can assist you handle it.

"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the faster you can progress.

"It's the fast track to whatever you desire to do next," she adds.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, with one owning a media business and another holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.

For those who have lost your job or are considering a shift, these are four methods for guidance.

1. Reflect On Last Year

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

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of looking back before embarking on a new job search.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.

Reviewing your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she notes.

Another professional states it is vital to decide where your work fits in your life.

This means being honest about how much time you spend working and its effect on your social and family life.

After her own experience, she suggests preventing yourself be dictated by your job.

2. Take Incremental Actions

The advisor states that individuals can implement small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.

Her own journey took seven years to transition from her corporate career to running her own company full-time, building her project alongside her job, which meant financial stability.

"It needed more time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This can include pro bono work, participating in a professional project that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they serve as progress in the right direction, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, yet not in the same area.

"It's about giving yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that isn't permanent.

"That represents a clever strategy for getting closer to your new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have increased significantly in recent times.

A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she and her team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.

Realizing that this did not reflect of her ability helped her process the change.

"What you've learned doesn't go away just because you were let go.

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

The other editor was let go following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is internal.

"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Career Checklist

If you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She recommends browsing job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

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