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A new year's onset is frequently a moment for introspection, and for many, that includes evaluating our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated everything into the job... I trusted in the values we promoted. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," a former editor says.

They both opted to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being open about it can assist you process it.

"There are so many alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the sooner you're candid about it, the sooner you can progress.

"That is the fast track to whatever you wish next," she adds.

Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one owning her own media company and the other working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

For those who have been made redundant or are just considering a shift, consider these four approaches for guidance.

1. Consider Last Year

It's common to have some unease about work following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.

Reviewing your accomplishments to spot common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she notes.

Another professional notes it is vital to establish what place your job occupies in your life.

This involves being candid about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your personal and social life.

Following her job loss, she advises against letting yourself be dictated by your job.

2. Make Incremental Actions

The advisor states that individuals can make incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took several years to transition from a corporate role to running her own company full-time, developing her idea alongside her job, which allowed financial stability.

"It took more time, but that represented my approach sustainably," she explains.

She advocates for an experimental approach.

This can include volunteering, participating in a work project that interests you, or accepting something different in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as a move towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It involves giving yourself the leeway to acknowledge this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is an intelligent strategy to get much closer to that career change."

3. Remember Your Successes

If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased markedly recently.

She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to process the change.

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away just because you lost your job.

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

Her colleague was fired after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of a different editor.

She notes that so much of the stigma associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

If you're desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.

But this is a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – focusing your search down to position summaries that capture your interest.

She recommends exploring professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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