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A new year's onset is frequently a period for contemplation, and for many, that involves evaluating our professional paths.

Two publishing professionals who were made redundant from their positions after corporate restructures initially felt it was a disaster.

"I invested everything into the job... I trusted in the values we stood for. However, regarding my situation, those principles didn't apply," she remarks.

Both individuals opted to say "fired" and believe that being honest about the situation can assist you process the event.

"We use so many alternative phrases for losing a job. However, the quicker you accept it, the faster you're candid regarding it, the quicker you can advance.

"That's the direct path to what you desire to do next," she adds.

Currently, they are excelling in different roles, with one running her own firm and another serving as lead editor for a luxury magazine.

If you've been made redundant or are simply looking for a new career, here are four approaches that can help.

1. Reflect On The Past Year

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

A careers coach emphasizes the importance of introspection before embarking on the search for a new role.

She suggests people to consider what they want to do more of, what they want less of, and which factors motivates or depletes their drive.

Examining your accomplishments to identify common themes is also beneficial. "Avoid just looking at the recent past, because we all have a tendency for recency bias that can obstruct your judgment," she notes.

Another professional notes it is vital to decide the role of work plays in your life.

This involves being truthful regarding the hours you spend working and its impact on your social life.

After her own experience, she suggests preventing your life be defined by your career.

2. Make Incremental Actions

The expert says people can implement incremental moves towards a career shift without committing fully.

She herself took several years to move from her corporate career to managing a company full-time, building her idea concurrently with her role, which allowed she could pay herself.

"It needed more time, but that was how I did it without risk," she comments.

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

This could be volunteer work, joining a work project that captures your interest, or agreeing to something different at your present job.

"The worst outcome, you learn it's not a fit, but it's better to know now instead of after you've switched careers," she remarks.

She also encourages looking into interim roles. These may not be the dream position, yet they function as a step towards your goal, for example a position with parallels to the career you want, but in a different industry or sector.

"It means granting yourself the space to say this is good for now, however, that is not permanent.

"This is a clever approach for moving closer to that new career."

3. Remember Your Accomplishments

Should you have just left your role, you aren't alone – redundancy rates have surged markedly recently.

She was the top editor for a fashion publication, previously she and her team lost their jobs following a decision to ceased print operations.

Understanding that this event was not indicative of her ability allowed her to cope with the situation.

"The skills you've gained doesn't disappear because you lost your job.

"Do not surrender your confidence, it's vital for all individuals to recall their own value."

Another professional was fired following a long tenure with a finance publication due to leadership changes at the top and the arrival of a different editor.

She emphasizes that so much of the stigma of job loss is in your head.

"With many people being laid off, it's not personal. It's likely not about you, so refrain from bearing that ball of shame forward."

4. Create a Job Search List

For those who are actively hunting for employment or are profoundly unhappy in your current role, you might be tempted to apply hastily at any opportunity – ignoring your own happiness.

Yet, this can be a significant mistake.

Alternatively, she proposes a technique known as "browsing" – focusing your search to only role profiles that sound interesting.

She suggests searching professional networks and collecting around 10 to 15 that appeal to you.

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