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The beginning of a new year can be a moment for introspection, and for numerous people, that involves considering our career trajectories.

Two publishing professionals who left their roles following company reorganizations originally thought it was catastrophic.

"I poured everything into the job... I believed in the principles we promoted. However, regarding my situation, those principles were absent," one of them remarks.

They both chose to use the term "dismissed" and suggest that being open about what happened can aid you handle the experience.

"People rely on countless soft terms for being dismissed. Yet, the sooner you accept it, the quicker you're candid about it, the sooner you can move on.

"It's the quickest route to what you wish next," she notes.

Currently, they are thriving in different roles, where one running her own media company and another holding the position of top editor for a luxury magazine.

If you've been laid off or are simply looking for a new career, these are four strategies for guidance.

1. Contemplate Last Year

It's typical to have a bit low concerning your career following time off.

A professional advisor emphasizes the value of introspection before starting the search for a new role.

She suggests individuals to think about what they desire to do more of, what to decrease, and which factors energizes or exhausts their drive.

Examining your accomplishments to spot common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid focusing solely on the most recent period, since everyone have a tendency to focus on the recent that can obstruct your judgment," she adds.

Another professional says it is vital to determine where your work fits in your life.

This involves being honest about the amount of time you spend working and its effect on your personal life.

After her own experience, she advises not allowing your life be dictated by your work.

2. Take Incremental Actions

She notes that professionals can make gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

She herself required a long period to make the jump from a traditional job to running her own business entirely, building her idea alongside her job, which enabled self-funding from the start.

"It took more time, but that represented my approach in a sustainable way," she says.

She suggests a "try before you buy" method.

This might involve pro bono work, participating in an initiative that captures your interest, or saying yes to a different task in your existing role.

"Worst case scenario, you learn you don't like, but it's preferable to find out now rather than after you've committed fully," she states.

She also advises exploring interim roles. These may not be the dream position, but they act as a move in the right direction, like a job with parallels to the career you want, though not in the exact area.

"It means giving yourself the space to acknowledge this is suitable temporarily, but that does not mean the same as forever.

"That can be an intelligent tactic to get closer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Achievements

For anyone who has recently lost your role, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have increased markedly lately.

A former editor held a senior role at a style magazine, but a few years ago her entire team were laid off after the company ceased print operations.

Recognizing that this did not reflect of her ability assisted her cope with the situation.

"What you've learned doesn't disappear simply due to lost your job.

"Don't give up your power, it's important for everybody to recognize their own value."

Another professional was let go following a long tenure with a finance publication following a regime change in management and the arrival of new leadership.

She emphasizes that so much of the stigma associated with being fired is in your head.

"Considering the vast numbers of professionals losing jobs, it's not personal. It's probably very much not you, so avoid carrying that ball of shame forward."

4. Develop a Job Search List

If you're urgently looking for a new job or feel utterly miserable at work, the temptation is to dive straight into applying for any job – ignoring your own happiness.

However, this represents a big misstep.

Alternatively, she proposes a method called "reviewing" – narrowing your search on position summaries that seem appealing.

She suggests browsing sites like LinkedIn and gathering a selection of that seem promising.

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