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The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for many, that involves considering our work lives.

A pair of editors who left their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I dedicated everything into that role... I trusted in the values we promoted. But in my case, that ethos weren't there," a former editor remarks.

They both opted to employ the word "let go" and suggest that being open about the situation can help you deal with the experience.

"People rely on numerous soft terms for losing a job. But the faster you accept it, the sooner you're honest regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That is the quickest route to anything you wish to do next," she adds.

Today, they are thriving in new ventures, with one owning a media business and another working as editor-in-chief for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been laid off or are simply considering a shift, consider these four approaches that can help.

1. Contemplate Last Year

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

A professional advisor highlights the importance of looking back before starting a new job search.

She encourages professionals to evaluate what they wish to do more of, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains their drive.

Looking back at your achievements to find underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try not to focusing solely on the last month, because we all have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.

She also says it is vital to establish where your work occupies in your life.

This requires being honest regarding the hours you spend working and the influence on your social life.

After her own experience, she recommends not allowing yourself be dictated by your work.

2. Implement Small Steps

She says people can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself took several years to make the jump from her corporate career to running a company full-time, building the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It needed more time, but that represented how I did it in a sustainable way," she comments.

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

This could be volunteering, joining a work project you find appealing, or saying yes to a new challenge at your present job.

"If it fails, you discover you don't like, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've made the move," she states.

Additionally, she suggests looking into short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the perfect role, but they act as a step forward, such as a role with similarities to the career you want, yet not in the same area.

"It involves giving yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, however, that is not permanent.

"That can be an intelligent tactic to get closer to your career change."

3. Recall Your Achievements

Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have increased significantly recently.

One professional was editor-in-chief at a style magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.

Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her performance assisted her cope with the situation.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you were dismissed.

"Don't relinquish your power, it's crucial for all individuals to recognize their own worth."

Another professional was let go after ten years in a business journal after a change in senior ranks and the appointment of a different editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment associated with being fired is self-imposed.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so don't carry that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Job Search List

For those who are actively hunting for a new job or feel deeply dissatisfied at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – ignoring what suits you.

Yet, this can be a major error.

Instead, she suggests a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities down to role profiles that seem appealing.

She recommends exploring professional networks and saving a selection of that appeal to you.

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