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The beginning of a new year is often a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I poured all my energy into that role... I believed in the values we championed. But in my case, that ethos were absent," she states.

Both individuals opted to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about it can aid you deal with it.

"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can move on.

"That is the direct path to what you desire to do next," she adds.

Today, they are thriving in new positions, with one owning a media business and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

Whether you've been made redundant or are contemplating a change, here are four approaches for guidance.

1. Reflect On Last Year

It's common to experience some apprehension concerning your career following time off.

A professional advisor stresses the value of looking back before starting a fresh job hunt.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what to decrease, and the things that inspires or drains their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to spot common themes is useful too. "Avoid considering only the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder your judgment," she adds.

Another professional states it is important to determine where your work plays in your life.

This requires being honest about how much time you're working and its impact on your personal life.

After being let go, she suggests against letting your life be defined by your career.

2. Take Incremental Actions

The expert says people can take small steps towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself took seven years to move from a corporate role to operating a company entirely, building her project while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.

"It needed additional time, however, that was the method I used in a sustainable way," she explains.

She suggests an experimental method.

This can include volunteering, participating in a work project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the ideal job, but they act as a step forward, like a job with similarities to the career you want, though not in the exact field.

"It involves giving yourself the leeway to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.

"This is an intelligent approach for moving much closer to that new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently lost your position, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged to high levels lately.

She was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, previously she were laid off when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her performance allowed her to process the change.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's crucial for everyone to recall their own value."

Her colleague was fired after a decade at a financial magazine following a regime change at the top and the hiring of a new editor.

She stresses that much of the stigma associated with being fired is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals facing redundancy, it's usually not about you. It's likely not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."

4. Build a Professional Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, the temptation is to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a major error.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She suggests exploring job platforms and collecting several that seem promising.

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