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The start of a new year is frequently a moment for introspection, and for a lot of us, that includes evaluating our professional paths.

A pair of editors who lost their positions due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.

"I invested my heart into that role... I trusted in the principles we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values didn't apply," she says.

Both individuals chose to employ the word "dismissed" and suggest that being open about the situation can help you handle the experience.

"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. But the faster you own it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the faster you can advance.

"That is the direct path to whatever you desire to pursue next," she adds.

Currently, they are thriving in new positions, where one running a media business and another holding the position of editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

For those who have been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, here are four strategies to assist you.

1. Consider The Previous Year

It's typical to feel some apprehension about work after a holiday break.

A professional advisor highlights the importance of introspection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they desire to pursue more, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains their energy.

Examining your achievements to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the last month, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder the process," she adds.

She also notes it is crucial to decide the role of work plays in your life.

This requires being candid about how much time you're working and its effect on your family and social life.

After being let go, she advises against letting your life be defined by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

She notes that professionals can take gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She herself required a long period to transition from a corporate role to running a company entirely, working on her project concurrently with her role, which allowed financial stability.

"It required additional time, but that was my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She recommends an experimental approach.

This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to something different in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to know now than after you've switched careers," she states.

She also encourages considering temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These might not be the perfect role, but they act as progress forward, such as a role with parallels to your target field, though not in the exact field.

"It means granting yourself the permission to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean permanent.

"That can be a very smart strategy for moving nearer to that desired transition."

3. Remember Your Successes

For anyone who has just left your job, many are in the same boat – job cuts have surged significantly recently.

One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this was not indicative of her ability allowed her to handle the transition.

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

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

Another professional lost her job after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes in management and the hiring of a different editor.

She notes that much of the stigma of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. Chances are not about you, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

When you're desperately seeking work or are deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring what suits you.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – filtering opportunities on role profiles that capture your interest.

She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that you like.

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