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The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that includes evaluating our work lives.

A pair of editors who lost their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I believed in the principles we promoted. But in my case, that ethos were absent," one of them says.

Both individuals chose to employ the word "fired" and believe that being transparent about the situation can assist you process it.

"People rely on countless euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the quicker you can move on.

"That's the fast track to what you desire to do next," she adds.

Now, they are succeeding in different roles, where one owning her own firm and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

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

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

It's natural to feel some unease regarding your job after a holiday break.

A careers coach highlights the importance of looking back before starting the search for a new role.

She suggests people to consider what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains them.

Examining your accomplishments to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she adds.

A former editor states it is vital to decide what place your job fits in your life.

This involves being candid about how much time you spend working and its effect on your personal and family life.

Following her job loss, she recommends against letting your identity be shaped solely by your career.

2. Take Gradual Moves

The advisor notes that professionals can take gradual progress for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey required a long period to move from her corporate career to managing her own company completely, working on her project while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It took more time, but that was my approach without risk," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" approach.

This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a work project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task within your current team.

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

She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as a step towards your goal, for example a position with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It's about giving yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That can be a clever tactic for moving nearer to a desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

For anyone who has just left your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen to high levels lately.

A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but a few years ago she were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.

"What you've learned remains with you simply due to were dismissed.

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

The other editor was let go after ten years in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She emphasizes that much of the shame of job loss is internal.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's probably very much not you, so don't carry that feeling around with you."

4. Build a Career Checklist

If you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.

But this is a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only position summaries that capture your interest.

She advises browsing professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that you like.

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