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A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that involves considering our work lives.

A pair of editors who lost their positions after corporate restructures originally thought their world had ended.

"I dedicated all my energy into the position... I believed in the ethos we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos didn't apply," she remarks.

Both individuals opted to say "let go" and argue that being honest about what happened can help you handle the experience.

"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're candid regarding it, the sooner you can move on.

"It's the quickest route to what you want next," she continues.

Currently, they are thriving in new positions, where one owning her own media company and the other working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've been made redundant or are just contemplating a change, these are four methods that can help.

1. Consider Last Year

It's typical to feel some apprehension about work following time off.

A professional advisor highlights the importance of introspection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to do more of, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains them.

Examining your achievements to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try to avoid considering only the most recent period, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.

Another professional says it is important to decide the role of work fits in your life.

This involves being candid about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your family and family life.

After her own experience, she suggests against letting your identity be defined by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

The expert says people can take incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.

She took several years to make the jump from a traditional job to managing a company completely, working on her project while still employed, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It took a bit longer, however, that was the method I used without risk," she explains.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" strategy.

This could be volunteer work, getting involved in a work project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now rather than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they serve as progress in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It means allowing yourself the space to say this is good for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"That can be an intelligent strategy to get closer to that career change."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased to high levels in recent times.

One professional held a senior role for a fashion publication, but in 2022 she were made redundant after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this was not a reflection of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.

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

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's important for everybody to remember their own value."

Another professional was fired after ten years at a financial magazine following a regime change in management and the arrival of a different editor.

She emphasizes that a lot of the shame of job loss is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."

4. Build a Job Search List

If you're urgently looking for employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – overlooking personal fulfillment.

But this is a major error.

Rather, she recommends a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that seem appealing.

She recommends browsing job platforms and gathering a selection of that seem promising.

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