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The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for numerous people, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.

A pair of editors who left their roles due to organizational changes at first believed it was catastrophic.

"I poured my heart into that role... I believed in the values we championed. But in my case, those principles were absent," one of them says.

They both decided to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being open about the situation can aid you handle the event.

"There are so many soft terms for being dismissed. But the faster you accept it, the quicker you're candid about it, the quicker you can progress.

"That is the direct path to anything you want to do next," she notes.

Today, they are succeeding in different roles, where one leading a media business and another working as lead editor for a high-end journal.

Whether you've lost your job or are simply contemplating a change, consider these four approaches that can help.

1. Contemplate The Past Year

It's common to feel a bit low concerning your career post-festive period.

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

She suggests professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what they want less of, and what energizes or exhausts them.

Looking back at your accomplishments to spot common themes is useful too. "Avoid focusing solely on the recent past, as people often suffer from for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she states.

Another professional notes it is important to determine what place your job plays in your life.

This requires being honest regarding the hours you're working and its effect on your personal and family life.

After her own experience, she recommends not allowing your identity be shaped solely by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

The advisor notes that professionals can take small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.

She required a long period to move from a corporate role to operating her own company entirely, building the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It took additional time, but that was my approach without risk," she explains.

She advocates for a "try before you buy" approach.

This can include volunteering, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or agreeing to a new challenge at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you learn that area isn't for you, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've made the move," she remarks.

Additionally, she suggests looking into temporary "stepping-stone" positions. These may not be the perfect role, but they serve as progress towards your goal, like a job with parallels to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

"It means giving yourself the space to acknowledge this works for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That can be a very smart approach to get nearer to that new career."

3. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Should you have just left your position, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have surged markedly in recent times.

A former editor was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were made redundant following a decision to discontinued the physical magazine.

Understanding that this situation did not reflect of her skills allowed her to cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.

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

The other editor was let go after a decade in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.

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

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's usually not about you. It's probably not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Develop a Professional Checklist

For those who are desperately seeking work or are utterly miserable in your current role, you might be tempted to jump at at any opportunity – disregarding personal fulfillment.

But this is a significant mistake.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "browsing" – focusing your search on role profiles that seem appealing.

She advises browsing sites like LinkedIn and saving several that seem promising.

"Look for {the words|the