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A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves thinking about our work lives.

A pair of editors who lost their positions due to organizational changes originally thought their world had ended.

"I poured everything into that role... I believed in the values we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles were absent," a former editor states.

They both decided to say "dismissed" and believe that being honest about it can assist you deal with the event.

"People rely on so many euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.

"That is the quickest route to anything you want to do next," she notes.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, with one running a media business and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have lost your job or are just considering a shift, consider these four strategies that can help.

1. Consider Last Year

It's natural to have some unease regarding your job post-festive period.

A professional advisor emphasizes the importance of looking back before starting a new job search.

She encourages individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to identify underlying threads can also help. "Try not to considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can impede the process," she adds.

Another professional says it is crucial to determine where your work fits in your life.

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

Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your career.

2. Take Small Steps

The advisor notes that professionals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.

Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from a corporate role to managing a company completely, working on the venture while still employed, which enabled financial stability.

"It took additional time, but that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.

She recommends a test-run method.

This can include volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that interests you, or agreeing to a different task at your present job.

"If it fails, you discover it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now than after you've made the move," she adds.

She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the dream position, yet they function as a move in the right direction, for example a position with parallels to your desired career, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"This is a clever tactic to get much closer to that desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

If you've recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged markedly lately.

A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this did not reflect of her ability helped her handle the transition.

"Your experience doesn't go away just because you were let go.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."

Another professional was let go after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the hiring of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are very much not you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

If you're urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on role profiles that capture your interest.

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

"Look for {the words|the