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

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.

"I poured everything into that role... I trusted in the ethos we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those values were absent," a former editor says.

They both decided to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being open about the situation can help you deal with the event.

"We use numerous alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid about it, the faster you can move on.

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

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

If you've lost your job or are just considering a shift, here are four approaches for guidance.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's typical to experience some apprehension regarding your job after a holiday break.

A careers coach highlights the value of introspection before starting the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what they want less of, and the things that energizes or exhausts their energy.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the last month, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she states.

She also notes it is vital to decide the role of work occupies in your life.

This means being candid about how much time you devote to work and its impact on your social life.

After being let go, she suggests preventing your identity be dictated by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

She states that individuals can make gradual progress for a career transition without a complete leap.

Her own journey required a long period to transition from her corporate career to managing a company completely, developing the venture alongside her job, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It took more time, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This might involve volunteering, participating in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a different task within your current team.

"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move in the right direction, such as a role with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

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

"That can be a clever approach to get much closer to your career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have increased significantly in recent times.

She was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.

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

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away because you were dismissed.

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

The other editor was let go after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the hiring of a new editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. Chances are very much not you, so don't carry that feeling around with you."

4. Build a Job Search List

When you're urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

However, this represents a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search on role profiles that seem appealing.

She recommends searching sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that appeal to you.

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