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The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for many, that involves considering our professional paths.

Two editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.

"I dedicated everything into the job... I trusted in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," she remarks.

The two chose to say "fired" and believe that being open about what happened can aid you process the event.

"We use so many alternative phrases for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you acknowledge it, the quicker you're honest regarding it, the faster you can advance.

"That is the direct path to whatever you want next," she continues.

Now, they are thriving in new ventures, where one owning her own firm and the other serving as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

For those who have been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four strategies for guidance.

1. Consider The Past Year

It's typical to experience a bit low about work post-festive period.

A careers coach emphasizes the value of introspection before embarking on a new job search.

She suggests people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors energizes or exhausts them.

Looking back at your past successes to find underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, as people often exhibit for recent-event bias that can hinder your judgment," she notes.

Another professional states it is important to decide what place your job plays in your life.

This means being truthful regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your social life.

Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your identity be dictated by your work.

2. Take Gradual Moves

The advisor says people can implement small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She required a long period to transition from a corporate role to operating her own business completely, building the venture while still employed, which meant self-funding from the start.

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

She suggests a test-run method.

This might involve volunteering, getting involved in a professional project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to find out now rather than after you've switched careers," she adds.

She also encourages considering short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, yet they function as progress towards your goal, for example a position that shares traits to your desired career, though not in the exact area.

"It means allowing yourself the permission to say this is suitable temporarily, but that isn't permanent.

"That can be an intelligent strategy for moving much closer to that desired transition."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

Should you have just left your role, many are in the same boat – job cuts have risen significantly recently.

A former editor was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she and her team were laid off when the firm ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this event was not a reflection of her skills helped her process the change.

"Your experience remains with you just because you lost your job.

"Don't relinquish your power, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their intrinsic value."

Her colleague lost her job following a long tenure at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of new leadership.

She stresses that a lot of the embarrassment of job loss is self-imposed.

"With many professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. Chances are not your fault, so don't carry that burden of shame around with you."

4. Develop a Career Checklist

For those who are urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, you might be tempted to dive straight into applying for any job – disregarding your own happiness.

But this is a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests an exercise called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that sound interesting.

She recommends browsing job platforms and gathering a selection of that seem promising.

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