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The beginning of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that involves evaluating our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.

"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," a former editor states.

The two decided to use the term "fired" and believe that being open about what happened can help you deal with it.

"We use so many soft terms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're candid about it, the faster you can progress.

"That is the quickest route to whatever you desire to do next," she continues.

Currently, they are excelling in different roles, with one leading a media business and another serving as lead editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been laid off or are simply considering a shift, these are four strategies that can help.

1. Reflect On Last Year

It's typical to experience a bit low regarding your job following time off.

A professional advisor emphasizes the necessity of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, since everyone exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she states.

A former editor says it is important to determine the role of work fits in your life.

This means being honest about how much time you spend working and its impact on your family and family life.

Following her job loss, she advises not allowing yourself be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

She states that individuals can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without a complete leap.

She herself took seven years to make the jump from her corporate career to operating her own company full-time, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed she could pay herself.

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

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that captures your interest, or saying yes to something different at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, however, it's wiser to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also encourages exploring interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they act as a step towards your goal, like a job with similarities to your desired career, but in a different area.

"It involves allowing yourself the permission to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean permanent.

"That can be an intelligent strategy to get nearer to that desired transition."

3. Recall Your Achievements

Should you have just left your job, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen significantly recently.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this situation did not reflect of her performance allowed her to process the change.

"What you've learned doesn't go away just because you were let go.

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for everybody to recall their own value."

The other editor was fired after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change at the top and the hiring of new leadership.

She emphasizes that much of the stigma of job loss is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

For those who are urgently looking for work or are utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – ignoring what suits you.

But this is a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that sound interesting.

She advises exploring professional networks and gathering several that appeal to you.

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