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A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves evaluating our career trajectories.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.

"I invested everything into the position... I believed in the values we promoted. But in my case, those principles didn't apply," a former editor states.

Both individuals chose to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about the situation can aid you deal with the experience.

"There are numerous soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest about it, the quicker you can move on.

"That is the direct path to whatever you want next," she continues.

Now, they are succeeding in different roles, where one running a media business and the other working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have lost your job or are just contemplating a change, these are four strategies for guidance.

1. Reflect On Last Year

It's common to feel a bit low about work following time off.

A career expert highlights the importance of introspection before starting the search for a new role.

She advises people to consider what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and what motivates or depletes them.

Reviewing your achievements to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try to avoid focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she states.

She also notes it is vital to determine where your work occupies in your life.

This means being truthful about how much time you're working and its impact on your personal and family life.

After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your life be defined by your job.

2. Make Gradual Moves

She says people can make incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.

Her own journey took seven years to move from a corporate role to running a company full-time, working on her project while still employed, which meant financial stability.

"It took additional time, but that was my approach without risk," she comments.

She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.

This might involve volunteer work, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

"If it fails, you discover it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to find out now instead of after you've switched careers," she states.

Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as a step towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same industry or sector.

"It means granting yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, but that does not mean for all time.

"That can be a clever strategy to get closer to a new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

If you've recently been made redundant from your job, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have surged markedly in recent times.

She held a senior role in a magazine, previously her entire team were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this event did not reflect of her skills assisted her cope with the situation.

"Your experience remains with you just because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own worth."

The other editor was fired after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.

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

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's probably not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."

4. Create a Career Checklist

If you're desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.

However, this represents a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only job descriptions that capture your interest.

She recommends searching professional networks and saving around 10 to 15 that seem promising.

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