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

A pair of editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those principles didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

The two decided to use the term "fired" and argue that being transparent about what happened can help you process the event.

"We use numerous euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the sooner you're honest about it, the sooner you can move on.

"It's the fast track to what you desire to do next," she adds.

Currently, they are thriving in different roles, with one leading her own media company and another working as lead editor for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, here are four strategies for guidance.

1. Consider Last Year

It's typical to feel a bit low about work after a holiday break.

A career expert stresses the value of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.

Looking back at your achievements to spot common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, because we all exhibit for recency bias that can hinder your judgment," she states.

Another professional states it is important to determine the role of work plays in your life.

This requires being candid about how much time you devote to work and the influence on your family and family life.

Following her job loss, she advises preventing your identity be defined by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

The expert states that individuals can take small steps for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

She herself took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own company full-time, building the venture concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

"It took more time, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This might involve pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to a different task within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.

Additionally, she suggests exploring interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, but they serve as a step in the right direction, like a job that shares traits to your target field, but in a different field.

"It's about granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is a clever tactic to get closer to a career change."

3. Remember Your Successes

For anyone who has recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased significantly recently.

She held a senior role at a style magazine, previously she and her team were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to process the change.

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

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's crucial for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."

Another professional was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of a new editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that feeling around with you."

4. Develop a Career Checklist

For those who are desperately seeking work or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that capture your interest.

She suggests browsing job platforms and saving several that you like.

"Look for {the words|the