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The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses considering our professional paths.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures initially felt it was a disaster.

"I poured my heart into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.

The two chose to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being honest about it can help you handle it.

"There are countless alternative phrases for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're truthful about it, the sooner you can progress.

"That's the fast track to what you want to pursue next," she continues.

Today, they are excelling in new ventures, where one owning her own media company and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been laid off or are looking for a new career, consider these four approaches that can help.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's common to have some unease regarding your job post-festive period.

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of looking back prior to launching a new job search.

She encourages individuals to think about what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and what motivates or depletes them.

Examining your past successes to find common themes is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recency bias that can hinder the process," she states.

Another professional states it is crucial to decide the role of work fits in your life.

This means being candid about how much time you're working and its effect on your personal and family life.

After being let go, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your work.

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor notes that professionals can make small steps towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

She herself required a long period to transition from a corporate role to operating her own business completely, working on the venture while still employed, which allowed financial stability.

"It needed more time, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she says.

She suggests a test-run method.

This could be volunteering, joining an initiative that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.

"If it fails, you discover you don't like, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the ideal job, but they act as progress forward, for example a position with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact field.

"It involves granting yourself the permission to accept this works for now, but that isn't for all time.

"That can be a clever tactic for moving nearer to your desired transition."

3. Recall Your Achievements

If you've recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have risen markedly in recent times.

She was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she lost their jobs following a decision to closed the print version.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained remains with you simply due to were dismissed.

"Don't give up your power, it's crucial for everyone to remember their intrinsic value."

Another professional lost her job after a decade at a financial magazine after a change in management and the appointment of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame around with you."

4. Create a Job Search List

For those who are urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable in your current role, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.

She suggests searching professional networks and saving several that seem promising.

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