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A new year's onset can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our work lives.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.

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

They both decided to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about the situation can assist you handle the experience.

"We use numerous euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're honest about it, the sooner you can progress.

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

Currently, they are excelling in different roles, where one leading her own firm and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

If you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, here are four approaches to assist you.

1. Consider Last Year

It's common to have some unease about work after a holiday break.

A career expert highlights the importance of introspection prior to launching a new job search.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.

Examining your achievements to find recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can impede your judgment," she adds.

Another professional states it is vital to decide where your work fits in your life.

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

After being let go, she recommends not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your work.

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor says people can make incremental moves towards changing careers without a complete leap.

Her own journey required a long period to move from a corporate role to running her own business completely, developing her project concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.

"It needed additional time, but that represented the method I used without risk," she explains.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This can include volunteering, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or saying yes to something different within your current team.

"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've made the move," she states.

She also advises considering interim roles. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as a step towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to your target field, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It means granting yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't the same as forever.

"This is a very smart approach to get nearer to your career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged significantly lately.

One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.

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

"What you've learned remains with you just because you were dismissed.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."

The other editor was fired following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame forward."

4. Create a Career Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, you might be tempted to jump at for any job – disregarding what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that seem appealing.

She recommends browsing job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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