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The beginning of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our work lives.

A pair of editors who lost their roles after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I invested all my energy into the job... I believed in the values we promoted. But in my case, those values were absent," a former editor says.

Both individuals chose to employ the word "let go" and argue that being open about it can assist you process it.

"There are numerous soft terms for losing a job. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can progress.

"That's the fast track to whatever you want to do next," she adds.

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

For those who have 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 post-festive period.

A career expert highlights the value of reflection before starting a new job search.

She advises people to consider what they want to increase, what they want less of, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Reviewing your achievements to spot underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the most recent period, as people often suffer from for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she notes.

A former editor states it is crucial to decide what place your job fits in your life.

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

After being let go, she advises not allowing your life be defined by your job.

2. Make Incremental Actions

She states that individuals can make gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.

She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to managing a company entirely, working on the venture alongside her job, which enabled financial stability.

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

She suggests a test-run approach.

This could be pro bono work, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting something different at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've switched careers," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a step towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It's about allowing yourself the space to accept this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.

"This is a clever strategy for moving closer to a new career."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently lost your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have increased to high levels lately.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance helped her handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away because you were dismissed.

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

Her colleague lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine after a change at the top and the arrival of a new editor.

She emphasizes that a lot of the shame of dismissal is internal.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

For those who are desperately seeking a new job or feel profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.

But this is a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that sound interesting.

She recommends searching professional networks and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.

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