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The start of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that involves thinking about our professional paths.

A pair of editors who left their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.

"I invested all my energy into that role... I believed in the values we stood for. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren't there," one of them states.

Both individuals chose to use the term "fired" and believe that being transparent about it can assist you handle it.

"We use so many alternative phrases for job loss. But the faster you acknowledge it, the sooner you're truthful about it, the faster you can progress.

"It's the direct path to whatever you wish to pursue next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in new ventures, where one leading her own media company and another serving as editor-in-chief for a luxury magazine.

For those who have been laid off or are simply contemplating a change, here are four methods for guidance.

1. Consider The Previous Year

It's natural to experience some unease concerning your career following time off.

A careers coach stresses the necessity of looking back before starting a new job search.

She suggests individuals to think about what they wish to pursue more, what to reduce, and which factors inspires or drains them.

Looking back at your past successes to spot recurring patterns can also help. "Avoid considering only the recent past, because we all exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede clear thinking," she adds.

She also says it is important to decide where your work plays in your life.

This involves being candid about how much time you devote to work and its effect on your personal and family life.

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

2. Implement Small Steps

The expert states that individuals can make incremental moves towards a career shift without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey took several years to transition from a corporate role to managing her own company completely, working on her project while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

"It took a bit longer, but that represented the method I used in a sustainable way," she comments.

She recommends an experimental method.

This could be volunteering, participating in an initiative 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, but it's better to know now instead of after you've committed fully," she states.

She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they serve as a step forward, such as a role that shares traits to your target field, though not in the exact area.

"It involves granting yourself the leeway to say this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean permanent.

"This is a very smart approach for getting closer to your desired transition."

3. Recall Your Successes

If you've recently lost your job, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have increased significantly in recent times.

She held a senior role in a magazine, previously her entire team lost their jobs after the company discontinued the physical magazine.

Recognizing that this was not a reflection of her ability allowed her to process the change.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear because you were dismissed.

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

Another professional was fired after ten years with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the appointment of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the shame associated with being fired is internal.

"Considering the vast numbers of people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Job Search List

For those who are desperately seeking employment or are deeply dissatisfied at work, it can be tempting to apply hastily at any opportunity – overlooking your own happiness.

But this is a major error.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "scanning" – narrowing your search down to role profiles that sound interesting.

She recommends browsing sites like LinkedIn and saving a selection of that you like.

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