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A new year's onset can be a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that involves evaluating our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs after corporate restructures at first believed it was a disaster.

"I dedicated everything into that role... I believed in the principles we championed. However, regarding my situation, that ethos weren't there," one of them states.

Both individuals chose to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being open about it can help you process it.

"There are so many soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the sooner you can move on.

"That's the fast track to whatever you desire to pursue next," she continues.

Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, where one running her own firm and the other working as editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

If you've been laid off or are just contemplating a change, here are four approaches for guidance.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

It's common to have some unease regarding your job post-festive period.

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of introspection prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She advises people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to decrease, and the things that energizes or exhausts them.

Examining your past successes to identify recurring patterns can also help. "Try not to considering only the last month, since everyone exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she states.

A former editor notes it is crucial to determine what place your job occupies in your life.

This requires being candid about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your social and family life.

After being let go, she suggests preventing your identity be dictated by your job.

2. Implement Small Steps

The expert says people can take small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She herself took seven years to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own business entirely, developing the venture concurrently with her role, which allowed self-funding from the start.

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

She recommends a test-run strategy.

This might involve volunteer work, joining an initiative you find appealing, or agreeing to a new challenge within your current team.

"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". They are perhaps not the perfect role, yet they function as a move forward, like a job that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact area.

"It's about granting yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean for all time.

"That represents an intelligent approach to get nearer to that new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

For anyone who has recently lost your job, you aren't alone – job cuts have risen to high levels recently.

One professional was editor-in-chief in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this did not reflect of her skills allowed her to process the change.

"Your experience remains with you just because you were let go.

"Don't relinquish your confidence, it's important for everyone to recognize their intrinsic value."

Her colleague lost her job after ten years in a business journal due to leadership changes in management and the appointment of a new editor.

She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of dismissal is internal.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling around with you."

4. Build a Career Checklist

If you're desperately seeking employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

But this is a major error.

Rather, she recommends a method called "browsing" – filtering opportunities on job descriptions that seem appealing.

She recommends exploring professional networks and saving several that seem promising.

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