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The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that encompasses considering our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was a disaster.

"I invested everything into that role... I had faith in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," she says.

They both opted to use the term "fired" and suggest that being honest about it can help you handle the event.

"There are numerous euphemisms for losing a job. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can move on.

"It's the quickest route to what you desire to do next," she notes.

Currently, they are succeeding in new ventures, with one running her own firm and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

For those who have lost your job or are just looking for a new career, these are four strategies for guidance.

1. Consider The Previous Year

It's common to have a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.

A careers coach stresses the importance of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.

She advises individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes them.

Looking back at your achievements to spot common themes is useful too. "Try to avoid considering only the recent past, because we all suffer from for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she notes.

Another professional notes it is crucial to establish the role of work plays in your life.

This requires being truthful regarding the hours you devote to work and the influence on your family life.

Following her job loss, she advises against letting your life be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor states that individuals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.

Her own journey took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own business full-time, developing her idea while still employed, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It required more time, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests an experimental method.

This could be pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now rather than after you've made the move," she remarks.

She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they serve as progress forward, such as a role with parallels to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It involves allowing yourself the space to say this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

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

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

If you've recently been made redundant from your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have increased markedly lately.

A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but in 2022 her entire team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.

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

"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recall their own worth."

Her colleague was let go after ten years in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a different editor.

She notes that much of the shame of job loss is internal.

"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so refrain from bearing that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Job Search List

For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – narrowing your search to only job descriptions that seem appealing.

She advises exploring professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the