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The start of a new year is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who lost their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was a disaster.

"I poured my heart into the position... I had faith in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those values didn't apply," a former editor remarks.

The two decided to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can aid you handle the experience.

"We use numerous soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can progress.

"It's the quickest route to what you desire to pursue next," she notes.

Today, they are succeeding in new positions, where one leading her own media company and another serving as top editor for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been made redundant or are just considering a shift, these are four methods for guidance.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's natural to experience some apprehension regarding your job following time off.

A careers coach emphasizes the value of reflection before starting a new job search.

She encourages people to consider what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors inspires or drains them.

Examining your past successes to find underlying threads is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she adds.

She also notes it is vital to determine where your work plays in your life.

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

After her own experience, she suggests preventing your life be shaped solely by your work.

2. Make Gradual Moves

She notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from a corporate role to running a company full-time, building her idea alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It needed additional time, however, that was the method I used without risk," she says.

She suggests a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include volunteering, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you find out you don't like, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've switched careers," she remarks.

She also advises considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, yet they function as a step forward, like a job with similarities to your target field, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It involves granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That can be a very smart approach for getting closer to that new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

If you've just left your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have increased markedly in recent times.

A former editor was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off following a decision to closed the print version.

Realizing that this event did not reflect of her ability allowed her to process the change.

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

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to recognize their own worth."

Another professional was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a different editor.

She stresses that much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame around with you."

4. Create a Career Checklist

When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – focusing your search on role profiles that sound interesting.

She advises exploring professional networks and saving several that appeal to you.

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