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The start of a new year is frequently a period for contemplation, and for numerous people, that encompasses thinking about our professional paths.

A pair of editors who were made redundant from their roles due to organizational changes originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I invested everything into the job... I had faith in the ethos we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those principles were absent," she says.

The two decided to use the term "fired" and suggest that being transparent about what happened can help you process the event.

"We use numerous soft terms for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the quicker you're truthful regarding it, the faster you can progress.

"That is the fast track to anything you desire to pursue next," she continues.

Now, they are excelling in different roles, where one owning a media business and the other holding the position of editor-in-chief at a prestigious publication.

If you've been laid off or are looking for a new career, here are four methods to assist you.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's common to feel some apprehension regarding your job following time off.

A professional advisor stresses the importance of introspection before starting a new job search.

She advises people to consider what they want to increase, what to reduce, and the things that inspires or drains their drive.

Looking back at your achievements to identify underlying threads can also help. "Try not to considering only the last month, as people often have a tendency for recent-event bias that can obstruct the process," she states.

She also says it is important to decide the role of work plays in your life.

This involves being truthful about how much time you spend working and the influence on your personal and social life.

Following her job loss, she advises against letting yourself be defined by your job.

2. Make Small Steps

The advisor states that individuals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without a complete leap.

She took several years to make the jump from her corporate career to managing a company completely, building her project while still employed, which allowed she could pay herself.

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

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

This could be volunteering, getting involved in a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to a new challenge in your existing role.

"The worst outcome, you learn you don't like, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.

She also advises looking into short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the perfect role, but they act as a step towards your goal, like a job with parallels to your desired career, though not in the exact area.

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

"This is an intelligent tactic to get closer to your new career."

3. Recall Your Accomplishments

Should you have just left your role, you are not the only one – redundancy rates have increased to high levels lately.

One professional held a senior role in a magazine, but a few years ago she were made redundant after the company ceased print operations.

Understanding that this situation was not indicative of her skills allowed her to process the change.

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

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's crucial for all individuals to remember their own worth."

Her colleague lost her job after a decade with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the hiring of a new editor.

She notes that a lot of the shame of job loss is in your head.

"With many individuals facing redundancy, it's rarely personal. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that feeling unnecessarily."

4. Create a Career Checklist

For those who are urgently looking for a new job or feel utterly miserable with your present job, it can be tempting to apply hastily for any job – ignoring personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Instead, she suggests a technique known as "reviewing" – narrowing your search down to job descriptions that seem appealing.

She suggests searching sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that you like.

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