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A new year's onset is often a period for contemplation, and for many, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.

Two editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was a disaster.

"I dedicated my heart into that role... I had faith in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," she states.

The two chose to say "dismissed" and argue that being open about the situation can aid you handle it.

"There are countless soft terms for job loss. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can move on.

"It's the fast track to what you wish to pursue next," she notes.

Currently, they are succeeding in different roles, with one running a media business and the other working as top editor for a luxury magazine.

Whether you've lost your job or are simply looking for a new career, these are four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On Last Year

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

A careers coach highlights the value of reflection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Examining your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recency bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.

A former editor notes it is vital to determine what place your job fits in your life.

This means being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its impact on your family life.

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

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor notes that professionals can implement small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.

Her own journey took seven years to transition from a corporate role to operating her own business completely, building the venture concurrently with her role, which meant financial stability.

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

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This can include volunteer work, joining an initiative that captures your interest, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.

"If it fails, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to know now than after you've committed fully," she states.

She also advises exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress towards your goal, like a job with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact area.

"It's about granting yourself the space to accept this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That represents a clever approach for moving nearer to a career change."

3. Remember Your Successes

If you've just left your position, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged markedly recently.

A former editor was the top editor in a magazine, previously she lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.

Realizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.

"What you've learned remains with you simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's important for everybody to recall their own value."

The other editor lost her job after ten years with a finance publication due to leadership changes in senior ranks and the appointment of new leadership.

She notes that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so avoid carrying that feeling around with you."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

If you're actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.

But this is a major error.

Rather, she recommends an exercise called "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that capture your interest.

She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and collecting several that seem promising.

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