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A new year's onset is frequently a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who left their positions after corporate restructures at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I invested my heart into that role... I trusted in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," a former editor says.

The two chose to say "let go" and believe that being honest about it can help you handle the experience.

"There are numerous soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the faster you're honest about it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the quickest route to whatever you wish to pursue next," she continues.

Today, they are thriving in new positions, with one leading her own media company and another holding the position of top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've lost your job or are just looking for a new career, here are four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On The Previous Year

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

A career expert highlights the necessity of looking back prior to launching a fresh job hunt.

She advises people to consider what they desire to pursue more, what they want less of, and what energizes or exhausts their energy.

Looking back at your accomplishments to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the last month, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can hinder clear thinking," she states.

Another professional states it is important to establish the role of work fits in your life.

This means being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your social life.

After being let go, she suggests not allowing your life be dictated by your work.

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor states that individuals can implement gradual progress for a career transition without committing fully.

She took several years to make the jump from a corporate role to operating her own business entirely, building her project alongside her job, which allowed she could pay herself.

"It needed a bit longer, however, that was the method I used sustainably," she says.

She advocates for a test-run strategy.

This could be volunteer work, joining a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different at your present job.

"Worst case scenario, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now than after you've committed fully," she states.

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

"It's about giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that isn't for all time.

"That can be a clever strategy for moving nearer to a new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have risen significantly in recent times.

She was the top editor in a magazine, but in 2022 she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this was not indicative of her performance helped her handle the transition.

"What you've learned remains with you because you were let go.

"Don't relinquish your power, it's vital for everybody to remember their intrinsic value."

The other editor was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change at the top and the appointment of new leadership.

She notes that a lot of the shame of job loss is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely very much not you, so don't carry that ball of shame around with you."

4. Create a Job Search List

For those who are actively hunting for work or are utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – overlooking personal fulfillment.

But this is a significant mistake.

Rather, she recommends a technique known as "scanning" – focusing your search on role profiles that seem appealing.

She recommends searching job platforms and collecting a selection of that appeal to you.

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