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The start of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses considering our work lives.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I poured all my energy into the position... I believed in the principles we stood for. 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 handle it.

"There are numerous alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can progress.

"That's the quickest route to anything you wish to pursue next," she adds.

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

For those who have been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, these are four approaches for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's typical to experience a bit low about work following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of looking back prior to launching the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.

Examining your achievements to spot recurring patterns is useful too. "Try not to considering only the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.

A former editor notes it is important to establish where your work occupies in your life.

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

Following her job loss, she recommends not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your job.

2. Implement Small Steps

She states that individuals can take small steps for a career transition without committing fully.

She herself took seven years to move from her corporate career to running her own company full-time, developing her project alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It required more time, but that was my approach sustainably," she explains.

She recommends a test-run approach.

This could be volunteer work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.

"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to find out now than after you've committed fully," she states.

She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they serve as a step forward, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact field.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that isn't for all time.

"That represents an intelligent strategy for getting closer to your new career."

3. Recall Your Achievements

If you've just left your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged to high levels in recent times.

A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her skills allowed her to handle the transition.

"Your experience remains with you just because you lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to remember their own value."

Another professional was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of a new editor.

She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is internal.

"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Develop a Career Checklist

When you're actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking your own happiness.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that sound interesting.

She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.

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