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A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for many, that involves considering our career trajectories.

Two editors who left their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt their world had ended.

"I poured my heart into that role... I believed in the ethos we championed. But in my case, those values weren't there," one of them states.

The two chose to say "dismissed" and argue that being open about it can help you handle the experience.

"We use countless soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can move on.

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

Currently, they are excelling in new positions, where one running her own firm and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

For those who have been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four approaches to assist you.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's typical to feel some apprehension about work post-festive period.

A career expert emphasizes the value of looking back before embarking on the search for a new role.

She encourages people to consider what they desire to do more of, what to reduce, and what motivates or depletes their drive.

Looking back at your achievements to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, since everyone have a tendency for recency bias that can impede clear thinking," she adds.

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

This involves being honest regarding the hours you spend working and its effect on your family and social life.

After being let go, she suggests not allowing your identity be defined by your work.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

The expert states that individuals can make small steps for a career transition without a complete leap.

Her own journey took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to running her own company entirely, building the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled financial stability.

"It took additional time, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she explains.

She suggests an experimental method.

This could be volunteer work, participating in an initiative you find appealing, or saying yes to something different within your current team.

"If it fails, you find out that area isn't for you, but it's preferable to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.

She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the dream position, yet they function as a move towards your goal, such as a role with parallels to your target field, but in a different industry or sector.

"It involves giving yourself the space to say this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not for all time.

"This is an intelligent strategy to get closer to your desired transition."

3. Remember Your Achievements

For anyone who has recently lost your position, you aren't alone – job cuts have surged significantly in recent times.

A former editor was the top editor in a magazine, previously she and her team lost their jobs when the firm ceased print operations.

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

"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own value."

The other editor lost her job after a decade in a business journal following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of a different editor.

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

"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's likely very much not you, so refrain from bearing that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Build a Job Search List

When you're urgently looking for work or are profoundly unhappy with your present job, the temptation is to jump at at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.

However, this represents a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that sound interesting.

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

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