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A new year's onset can be a period for contemplation, and for a lot of us, that includes thinking about our career trajectories.

A pair of editors who lost their positions due to organizational changes initially felt it was a disaster.

"I poured my heart into the position... I trusted in the ethos we stood for. But in my case, that ethos were absent," a former editor states.

The two opted to employ the word "fired" and believe that being open about the situation can aid you process it.

"There are numerous euphemisms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you accept it, the sooner you're honest about it, the faster you can progress.

"It's the direct path to anything you wish to do next," she adds.

Today, they are excelling in different roles, where one running her own media company and another working as top editor at a prestigious publication.

For those who have lost your job or are looking for a new career, these are four methods to assist you.

1. Consider The Previous Year

It's typical to experience a bit low about work following time off.

A career expert emphasizes the value of looking back before embarking on a fresh job hunt.

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

Reviewing your accomplishments to identify underlying threads is also beneficial. "Try not to just looking at the recent past, as people often exhibit to focus on the recent that can impede the process," she notes.

A former editor states it is crucial to determine what place your job plays in your life.

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

Following her job loss, she suggests against letting your life be shaped solely by your work.

2. Make Gradual Moves

She says people can implement small steps towards changing careers without a complete leap.

Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to operating her own business full-time, developing the venture while still employed, which meant she could pay herself.

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

She advocates for an experimental strategy.

This might involve volunteer work, getting involved in a work project that interests you, or accepting a different task in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you find out it's not a fit, but it's preferable to learn now than after you've committed fully," she remarks.

She also advises exploring short-term "bridging roles". These might not be the ideal job, but they serve as a move in the right direction, like a job with similarities to your desired career, though not in the exact area.

"It means granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, but that isn't permanent.

"That represents an intelligent strategy for getting closer to that career change."

3. Acknowledge Your Achievements

For anyone who has recently lost your role, you aren't alone – layoff figures have increased markedly lately.

She was the top editor in a magazine, but a few years ago she lost their jobs when the firm discontinued the physical magazine.

Realizing that this was not indicative of her skills assisted her handle the transition.

"The skills you've gained remains with you just because you lost your job.

"Don't give up your confidence, it's important for everyone to remember their own value."

Another professional was let go following a long tenure in a business journal after a change in management and the appointment of a new editor.

She emphasizes that a lot of the embarrassment associated with being fired is in your head.

"Given that hundreds of thousands of professionals losing jobs, it's rarely personal. It's likely not about you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Create a Professional Checklist

If you're urgently looking for employment or are utterly miserable with your present job, the temptation is to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking what suits you.

But this is a big misstep.

Rather, she recommends a method called "reviewing" – filtering opportunities on position summaries that sound interesting.

She advises exploring job platforms and saving around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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