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The start of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions following company reorganizations at first believed it was a disaster.

"I dedicated my heart into that role... I had faith in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos weren't there," she remarks.

The two decided to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being open about it can help you deal with the experience.

"We use countless alternative phrases for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the quicker you can advance.

"That is the fast track to what you want next," she adds.

Now, they are thriving in new positions, with one running a media business and another serving as top editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, these are four approaches for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's common to experience some unease about work following time off.

A careers coach stresses the value of reflection prior to launching a new job search.

She advises professionals to evaluate what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes them.

Reviewing your achievements to identify recurring patterns is useful too. "Avoid considering only the recent past, as people often suffer from for recent-event bias that can impede your judgment," she notes.

A former editor says it is vital to establish what place your job occupies in your life.

This requires being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and the influence on your social and family life.

After being let go, she suggests not allowing your life be shaped solely by your career.

2. Make Small Steps

The expert states that individuals can make incremental moves for a career transition without diving in headfirst.

She took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing a company completely, building the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed self-funding from the start.

"It required more time, however, that was how I did it without risk," she explains.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include pro bono work, participating in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the dream position, but they act as a step in the right direction, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It means allowing yourself the permission to say this is good for now, however, that is not the same as forever.

"This is an intelligent tactic for moving much closer to a new career."

3. Remember Your Successes

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you are not the only one – job cuts have risen to high levels in recent times.

One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, previously she were made redundant when the firm ceased print operations.

Realizing that this event was not indicative of her performance assisted her process the change.

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

"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their own worth."

The other editor was fired after ten years in a business journal due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are very much not you, so don't carry that feeling forward."

4. Create a Career Checklist

When you're actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

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

She recommends exploring professional networks and collecting several that appeal to you.

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