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The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.

Two publishing professionals who lost their jobs following company reorganizations initially felt it was catastrophic.

"I poured my heart into the position... I had faith in the ethos we championed. Yet, when it came to me, that ethos didn't apply," she remarks.

They both decided to employ the word "let go" and argue that being open about what happened can aid you deal with it.

"There are so many soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the quickest route to anything you want to pursue next," she adds.

Today, they are thriving in new ventures, with one leading a media business and the other holding the position of lead editor for a high-end journal.

If you've been made redundant or are looking for a new career, these are four approaches to assist you.

1. Reflect On Last Year

It's common to feel a bit low about work post-festive period.

A career expert emphasizes the importance of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She encourages individuals to think about what they wish to increase, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains their drive.

Looking back at your past successes to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try not to considering only the most recent period, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she adds.

She also says it is vital to determine what place your job fits in your life.

This involves being candid about how much time you're working and the influence on your personal and family life.

After being let go, she recommends against letting your identity be defined by your work.

2. Take Small Steps

The expert says people can make small steps towards a career shift without a complete leap.

She required a long period to transition from a traditional job to operating her own business entirely, building the venture while still employed, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It needed a bit longer, but that represented how I did it sustainably," she explains.

She suggests a test-run strategy.

This could be volunteering, participating in a professional project that captures your interest, or accepting a different task in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you discover that area isn't for you, but it's better to find out now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests exploring temporary "stepping-stone" positions. They are perhaps not the dream position, yet they function as a move forward, for example a position with similarities to your desired career, but in a different field.

"It's about giving yourself the space to accept this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That represents an intelligent strategy for getting much closer to a career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

For anyone who has just left your position, many are in the same boat – layoff figures have surged to high levels recently.

She held a senior role for a fashion publication, but a few years ago she and her team were laid off following a decision to ceased print operations.

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

"Your experience doesn't disappear just because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's vital for all individuals to recognize their own worth."

Her colleague was fired after ten years at a financial magazine due to leadership changes at the top and the appointment of new leadership.

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

"Considering the vast numbers of individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. It's probably not your fault, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

When you're urgently looking for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, it can be tempting to jump at for any job – overlooking what suits you.

But this is a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes an exercise called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to position summaries that sound interesting.

She recommends browsing professional networks and saving a selection of that you like.

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