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The start of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their jobs following company reorganizations at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I believed in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," she remarks.

They both decided to use the term "fired" and argue that being transparent about the situation can aid you process the experience.

"We use countless soft terms for job loss. However, the quicker you own it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the quicker you can progress.

"That is the quickest route to whatever you desire to pursue next," she notes.

Today, they are succeeding in new positions, with one running her own firm and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

If you've been made redundant or are simply contemplating a change, here are four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

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

A career expert emphasizes the necessity of introspection before starting a fresh job hunt.

She advises individuals to think about what they desire to increase, what they want less of, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.

Reviewing your achievements to spot underlying threads can also help. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she states.

She also states it is vital to establish the role of work fits in your life.

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

After being let go, she advises against letting yourself be defined by your work.

2. Implement Incremental Actions

The advisor notes that professionals can implement incremental moves for a career transition without committing fully.

Her own journey took several years to move from a corporate role to running a company completely, developing the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It required more time, but that represented the method I used sustainably," she comments.

She recommends a test-run strategy.

This might involve volunteering, participating in a work project you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.

"If it fails, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to find out now instead of after you've committed fully," she adds.

She also encourages looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It means granting yourself the leeway to say this works for now, but that does not mean permanent.

"That can be a very smart strategy to get much closer to that desired transition."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

If you've recently lost your job, you are not the only one – job cuts have surged significantly recently.

A former editor held a senior role for a fashion publication, previously her entire team were made redundant after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.

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

"Don't relinquish your self-worth, it's vital for everyone to remember their own worth."

Her colleague was fired following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the arrival of a new editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of dismissal is self-imposed.

"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's probably not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Build a Career Checklist

When you're actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied in your current role, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends an exercise called "browsing" – filtering opportunities to only role profiles that capture your interest.

She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

"Look for {the words|the