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The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our work lives.

A pair of editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures originally thought it was a disaster.

"I dedicated everything into the position... I trusted in the ethos we championed. But in my case, those values didn't apply," she remarks.

Both individuals decided to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about the situation can help you deal with it.

"We use countless alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can progress.

"That is the fast track to what you wish to do next," she notes.

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

Whether you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, here are four methods to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

It's common to experience some unease regarding your job following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the value of reflection before starting a new job search.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains their drive.

Reviewing your past successes to identify underlying threads can also help. "Avoid considering only the last month, since everyone suffer from for recency bias that can impede your judgment," she notes.

A former editor states it is crucial to decide where your work plays in your life.

This involves being truthful regarding the hours you're working and the influence on your family and family life.

Following her job loss, she advises not allowing yourself be defined by your job.

2. Take Gradual Moves

The expert says people can make gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.

She required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to running a company completely, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It needed additional time, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.

She recommends a test-run approach.

This could be volunteering, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting something different within your current team.

"If it fails, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to know now rather than after you've made the move," she remarks.

She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as progress towards your goal, like a job that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact area.

"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to accept this works for now, but that isn't the same as forever.

"This is a very smart tactic for getting closer to that career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

For anyone who has just left your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased to high levels recently.

She held a senior role at a style magazine, but in 2022 she were made redundant following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this was not indicative of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's important for all individuals to remember their own value."

Another professional was let go after a decade at a financial magazine after a change in management and the appointment of new leadership.

She notes that much of the stigma associated with being fired is internal.

"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that feeling forward."

4. Create a Job Search List

If you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities to only job descriptions that sound interesting.

She suggests browsing job platforms and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.

"Look for {the words|the