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The beginning of a new year is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves considering our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.

"I poured everything into the position... I had faith in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those values weren't there," she states.

Both individuals chose to use the term "fired" and argue that being open about the situation can help you handle the event.

"There are numerous alternative phrases for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can advance.

"That is the direct path to anything you want to pursue next," she adds.

Today, they are thriving in different roles, with one running a media business and the other holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.

Whether you've been laid off or are just considering a shift, here are four strategies that can help.

1. Consider The Past Year

It's common to have some unease about work after a holiday break.

A professional advisor highlights the importance of introspection before embarking on a new job search.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that inspires or drains them.

Reviewing your accomplishments to find underlying threads can also help. "Try to avoid just looking at the most recent period, as people often have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she adds.

A former editor states it is vital to establish what place your job fits in your life.

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

After her own experience, she advises against letting your identity be defined by your career.

2. Take Incremental Actions

The advisor says people can implement incremental moves towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself took seven years to transition from a traditional job to running her own company completely, developing her idea concurrently with her role, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It needed more time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests an experimental strategy.

This can include pro bono work, participating in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to a different task in your existing role.

"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now than after you've switched careers," she states.

Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the dream position, but they serve as a step in the right direction, such as a role with parallels to your target field, but in a different field.

"It means giving yourself the permission to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not for all time.

"That can be an intelligent strategy for moving nearer to your career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

If you've just left your position, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased to high levels in recent times.

One professional held a senior role at a style magazine, previously her entire team lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.

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

"The skills you've gained doesn't go away simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's important for all individuals to recognize their own worth."

Her colleague was fired following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the hiring of a different editor.

She stresses that a lot of the shame associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that seem appealing.

She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting a selection of that seem promising.

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