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The beginning of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses thinking about our work lives.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles after corporate restructures initially felt it was a disaster.

"I poured all my energy into the position... I believed in the values we promoted. However, regarding my situation, that ethos were absent," a former editor says.

Both individuals decided to use the term "fired" and suggest that being honest about the situation can help you handle it.

"We use so many euphemisms for losing a job. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're candid about it, the sooner you can move on.

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

Today, they are thriving in new positions, with one running her own firm and another serving as top editor for a high-end journal.

Whether you've been laid off or are considering a shift, these are four approaches to assist you.

1. Consider Last Year

It's natural to experience a bit low concerning your career following time off.

A career expert stresses the necessity of introspection before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

She encourages people to consider what they want to pursue more, what to reduce, and what inspires or drains them.

Reviewing your achievements to spot common themes is useful too. "Try not to just looking at the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct clear thinking," she states.

Another professional says it is crucial to establish what place your job plays in your life.

This involves being candid regarding the hours you devote to work and its effect on your family and social life.

Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your identity be defined by your career.

2. Make Incremental Actions

She says people can make small steps towards changing careers without committing fully.

Her own journey took seven years to transition from a traditional job to running her own business full-time, building her project while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It needed more time, however, that was the method I used without risk," she says.

She recommends an experimental strategy.

This could be volunteering, joining a professional project that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you find out that area isn't for you, however, it's wiser to know now instead of after you've made the move," she states.

She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These may not be the ideal job, but they act as a step forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, but in a different area.

"It means giving yourself the leeway to accept this is good for now, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"This is an intelligent tactic for getting much closer to a career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Successes

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, you are not the only one – layoff figures have surged markedly lately.

She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago she and her team were made redundant following a decision to closed the print version.

Understanding that this event did not reflect of her ability helped her process the change.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear just because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your power, it's important for everybody to recall their intrinsic value."

Her colleague was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication after a change at the top and the appointment of a new editor.

She stresses that so much of the stigma of dismissal is internal.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so avoid carrying that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

For those who are actively hunting for work or are deeply dissatisfied with your present job, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking what suits you.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that seem appealing.

She advises exploring sites like LinkedIn and gathering around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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