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A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that involves evaluating our professional paths.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions due to organizational changes initially felt their world had ended.

"I dedicated my heart into that role... I trusted in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," she says.

They both chose to use the term "fired" and argue that being transparent about the situation can help you process the event.

"People rely on so many euphemisms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you own it, the quicker you're truthful about it, the faster you can move on.

"It's the direct path to whatever you want to pursue next," she adds.

Currently, they are thriving in new positions, with one owning her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

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

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

It's common to have some unease concerning your career post-festive period.

A professional advisor stresses the necessity of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.

She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains their energy.

Examining your accomplishments to find common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone suffer from for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she adds.

Another professional states it is vital to decide the role of work occupies in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your social life.

After being let go, she advises against letting your life be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

She states that individuals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She required a long period to transition from her corporate career to running a company full-time, working on the venture alongside her job, which meant financial stability.

"It took more time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she says.

She advocates for an experimental approach.

This can include volunteer work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

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

She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the ideal job, yet they function as progress in the right direction, such as a role with similarities to your target field, though not in the exact field.

"It means allowing yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.

"That represents a very smart tactic for moving closer to that new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently been made redundant from your position, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged markedly lately.

One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.

Realizing that this was not a reflection of her skills assisted her cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recognize their own worth."

Her colleague was let go after a decade with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the arrival of a new editor.

She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

For those who are urgently looking for employment or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search on job descriptions that sound interesting.

She suggests searching job platforms and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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