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A new year's onset is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that involves evaluating our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.

"I dedicated my heart into the position... I believed in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, those principles were absent," she remarks.

Both individuals decided to say "fired" and argue that being honest about it can assist you handle the experience.

"We use countless euphemisms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the faster you can move on.

"It's the direct path to whatever you desire next," she notes.

Today, they are thriving in new ventures, with one leading her own firm and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.

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

1. Reflect On Last Year

It's natural to experience a bit low regarding your job following time off.

A careers coach stresses the value of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and the things that inspires or drains their energy.

Examining your past successes to find underlying threads is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recency bias that can obstruct the process," she notes.

She also says it is vital to establish the role of work occupies in your life.

This means being honest about the amount of time you're working and the influence on your social and family life.

After being let go, she recommends not allowing yourself be shaped solely by your job.

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor says people can take incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.

She herself took several years to transition from her corporate career to operating her own business full-time, developing her idea while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It needed additional time, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she comments.

She advocates for an experimental method.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now than after you've switched careers," she states.

She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as a move towards your goal, such as a role that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact area.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.

"That represents an intelligent approach to get closer to that career change."

3. Remember Your Achievements

Should you have recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen markedly recently.

A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off following a decision to ceased print operations.

Realizing that this situation did not reflect of her ability helped her process the change.

"Your experience doesn't go away simply due to were let go.

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recall their own value."

Another professional was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the stigma of job loss is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling forward."

4. Build a Job Search List

For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy at work, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – overlooking what suits you.

But this is a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to job descriptions that seem appealing.

She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that you like.

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