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The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that involves thinking about our professional paths.

A pair of editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I invested everything into the job... I had faith in the values we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.

They both chose to say "fired" and suggest that being honest about it can assist you process the event.

"There are numerous euphemisms for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can move on.

"That is the fast track to whatever you want to pursue next," she adds.

Now, they are excelling in different roles, with one owning her own media company and another working as lead editor for a luxury magazine.

Whether you've been laid off or are contemplating a change, consider these four approaches for guidance.

1. Consider The Previous Year

It's common to feel some unease about work following time off.

A career expert emphasizes the necessity of introspection prior to launching the search for a new role.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they want to increase, what they want less of, and what inspires or drains their drive.

Examining your accomplishments to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.

Another professional says it is important to determine what place your job occupies in your life.

This requires being truthful about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your social and family life.

Following her job loss, she suggests preventing yourself be dictated by your career.

2. Make Incremental Actions

The advisor says people can make small steps towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own business completely, building her project concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It took more time, however, that was how I did it in a sustainable way," she explains.

She advocates for an experimental approach.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in an initiative that captures your interest, or accepting a different task in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to find out now than after you've switched careers," she adds.

She also advises looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as a step towards your goal, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same area.

"It means allowing yourself the space to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean permanent.

"That represents an intelligent approach for getting closer to a desired transition."

3. Remember Your Achievements

If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased significantly lately.

A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but a few years ago she lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this was not a reflection of her performance helped her cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their intrinsic value."

Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.

She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so avoid carrying that burden of shame around with you."

4. Develop a Career Checklist

When you're actively hunting for work or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding what suits you.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a method called "scanning" – focusing your search to only job descriptions that sound interesting.

She suggests browsing job platforms and collecting around 10 to 15 that you like.

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