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The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves thinking about our career trajectories.

Two publishing professionals who left their positions following company reorganizations originally thought it was a disaster.

"I poured all my energy into the job... I believed in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those principles weren't there," she remarks.

The two chose to employ the word "fired" and suggest that being transparent about the situation can assist you deal with the experience.

"People rely on countless euphemisms for job loss. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the faster you can move on.

"It's the direct path to what you want to pursue next," she continues.

Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, where one leading a media business and the other serving as top editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, these are four approaches for guidance.

1. Consider The Past Year

It's common to experience a bit low about work following time off.

A career expert stresses the necessity of reflection before embarking on a new job search.

She advises individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and the things that motivates or depletes their energy.

Reviewing your achievements to find common themes is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, as people often suffer from to focus on the recent that can obstruct the process," she adds.

A former editor states it is vital to determine what place your job occupies in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you're working and its impact on your personal life.

After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your life be defined by your work.

2. Implement Small Steps

She notes that professionals can take gradual progress towards changing careers without committing fully.

She took seven years to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own company full-time, developing her idea while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It needed a bit longer, however, that was how I did it sustainably," she says.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" approach.

This could be pro bono work, getting involved in a professional project that interests you, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's better to know now than after you've switched careers," she adds.

She also advises considering short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the dream position, but they serve as progress in the right direction, like a job that shares traits to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It's about allowing yourself the leeway to acknowledge this works for now, however, that is not permanent.

"That represents a clever approach to get nearer to a new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

If you've recently been made redundant from your role, you aren't alone – job cuts have increased significantly lately.

One professional was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she were laid off when the firm closed the print version.

Recognizing that this situation was not indicative of her ability assisted her handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you lost your job.

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

Her colleague was fired after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the appointment of a new editor.

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

"With many people being laid off, it's rarely personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that feeling around with you."

4. Build 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 – overlooking personal fulfillment.

Yet, this can be a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities to only position summaries that sound interesting.

She advises exploring professional networks and collecting a selection of that you like.

"Look for {the words|the