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A new year's onset is often a time for reflection, and for many, that involves evaluating our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who left their roles due to organizational changes initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated everything into the job... I had faith in the values we championed. But in my case, those values were absent," she states.

Both individuals opted to use the term "fired" and suggest that being honest about the situation can assist you process the experience.

"We use numerous euphemisms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid about it, the sooner you can move on.

"That is the direct path to what you wish next," she notes.

Now, they are thriving in new positions, where one leading a media business and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, these are four approaches for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

It's typical to have a bit low regarding your job after a holiday break.

A career expert emphasizes the value of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.

Looking back at your achievements to identify underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid considering only the recent past, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she states.

She also notes it is vital to determine what place your job occupies in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your social and social life.

After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your life be defined by your work.

2. Take Small Steps

She says people can take small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.

She took seven years to transition from a traditional job to operating a company entirely, building her project while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It required more time, but that represented how I did it without risk," she says.

She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or saying yes to something different within your current team.

"If it fails, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to know now instead of after you've made the move," she adds.

Additionally, she suggests considering interim roles. These may not be the ideal job, yet they function as progress in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It means granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.

"That represents a clever tactic for moving much closer to your career change."

3. Recall Your Successes

If you've recently been made redundant from your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have risen markedly lately.

One professional was the top editor for a fashion publication, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.

Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills assisted her handle the transition.

"Your experience doesn't disappear because you lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your power, it's important for all individuals to recall their own worth."

Another professional lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.

She stresses that so much of the shame of dismissal is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that sound interesting.

She recommends exploring job platforms and gathering a selection of that seem promising.

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