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A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who left their positions following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.

"I invested my heart into the job... I believed in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

Both individuals chose to say "fired" and argue that being transparent about what happened can aid you deal with the event.

"People rely on numerous soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid about it, the sooner you can advance.

"That's the direct path to what you desire to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one leading a media business and the other working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been made redundant or are contemplating a change, consider these four strategies to assist you.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's common to have some unease about work post-festive period.

A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of looking back before embarking on the search for a new role.

She advises individuals to think about what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Examining your past successes to spot underlying threads can also help. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all suffer from to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she states.

Another professional notes it is crucial to decide what place your job plays in your life.

This means being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your family and family life.

After her own experience, she advises preventing your identity be shaped solely by your work.

2. Take Incremental Actions

The expert states that individuals can make incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She took several years to transition from her corporate career to running her own business full-time, developing her project alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.

"It took additional time, but that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.

She suggests a test-run method.

This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've made the move," she adds.

She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to your target field, yet not in the same field.

"It means allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.

"That can be an intelligent strategy to get nearer to a desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased markedly lately.

One professional was the top editor in a magazine, previously she were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.

Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her ability assisted her handle the transition.

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

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

The other editor was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.

She notes that much of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame forward."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

If you're actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any vacancy – ignoring personal fulfillment.

But this is a significant mistake.

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

She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting a selection of that seem promising.

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