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The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses considering our work lives.

Two editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes at first believed it was a disaster.

"I poured everything into that role... I believed in the ethos we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," a former editor says.

They both opted to say "fired" and suggest that being honest about it can help you handle the experience.

"There are countless soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the sooner you can progress.

"That is the fast track to what you wish to do next," she notes.

Now, they are thriving in new positions, with one running her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

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

1. Reflect On The Past Year

It's typical to have a bit low regarding your job post-festive period.

A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and what energizes or exhausts their drive.

Reviewing your achievements to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the most recent period, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she notes.

She also notes it is vital to determine where your work occupies in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you're working and the influence on your social and family life.

Following her job loss, she recommends preventing yourself be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

The expert states that individuals can take incremental moves towards changing careers without committing fully.

She herself took seven years to transition from a traditional job to managing her own company full-time, building her idea concurrently with her role, which meant she could pay herself.

"It required additional time, but that was my approach without risk," she explains.

She recommends a test-run strategy.

This could be volunteer work, joining an initiative that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she states.

She also advises exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as a step towards your goal, like a job with similarities to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It means allowing yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not for all time.

"This is a very smart strategy for moving closer to a career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

If you've just left your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen markedly in recent times.

One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were laid off after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her ability helped her handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for everyone to remember their own value."

Her colleague lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of new leadership.

She stresses that a lot of the stigma of dismissal is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame forward."

4. Build a Job Search List

If you're desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "browsing" – focusing your search on role profiles that capture your interest.

She advises browsing job platforms and collecting several that appeal to you.

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