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The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, and for a lot of us, that encompasses evaluating our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who lost their jobs due to organizational changes originally thought it was a disaster.

"I dedicated all my energy into that role... I believed in the principles we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those principles didn't apply," a former editor says.

They both opted to say "dismissed" and argue that being honest about it can aid you deal with the experience.

"People rely on numerous alternative phrases for job loss. Yet, the sooner you own it, the faster you're truthful regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the quickest route to what you desire to pursue next," she notes.

Now, they are succeeding in new positions, with one owning her own firm and another working as top editor for a luxury magazine.

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

1. Contemplate The Previous Year

It's natural to feel some unease concerning your career after a holiday break.

A career expert stresses the necessity of looking back before starting a new job search.

She advises individuals to think about what they want to pursue more, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes them.

Reviewing your achievements to identify common themes is useful too. "Try not to focusing solely on the recent past, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she notes.

Another professional says it is important to decide the role of work plays in your life.

This involves being candid about the amount of time you're working and its impact on your personal and family life.

After her own experience, she advises against letting yourself be dictated by your job.

2. Take Gradual Moves

The advisor says people can take gradual progress towards changing careers without committing fully.

Her own journey required a long period to transition from a traditional job to operating her own company entirely, building her idea concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.

"It needed additional time, however, that was my approach in a sustainable way," she explains.

She recommends a "try before you buy" method.

This can include pro bono work, getting involved in a work project you find appealing, or accepting a new challenge at your present job.

"If it fails, you find out it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now rather than after you've committed fully," she adds.

She also encourages considering interim roles. They are perhaps not the dream position, but they serve as a move in the right direction, like a job that shares traits to your desired career, yet not in the same field.

"It involves allowing yourself the leeway to say this is good for now, however, that is not for all time.

"That can be a very smart strategy for getting closer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Successes

Should you have just left your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have risen significantly lately.

A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, previously her entire team were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.

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

"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to were let go.

"Do not surrender your self-worth, it's important for everyone to recall their own worth."

Her colleague was fired after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in senior ranks and the hiring of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the embarrassment of dismissal is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not your fault, so refrain from bearing that feeling forward."

4. Develop a Career Checklist

When you're urgently looking for a new job or feel profoundly unhappy with your present job, it can be tempting to dive straight into applying for any vacancy – disregarding your own happiness.

However, this represents a big misstep.

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

She suggests searching job platforms and saving a selection of that seem promising.

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