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The beginning of a new year can be a time for reflection, and for many, that encompasses evaluating our professional paths.

Two editors who were made redundant from their jobs after corporate restructures initially felt their world had ended.

"I poured all my energy into the job... I had faith in the principles we championed. Yet, when it came to me, those values were absent," she remarks.

They both opted to use the term "dismissed" and argue that being transparent about what happened can aid you process the experience.

"People rely on numerous soft terms for being dismissed. However, the quicker you acknowledge it, the quicker you're candid regarding it, the faster you can progress.

"That's the fast track to whatever you desire to do next," she notes.

Today, they are excelling in new positions, where one owning a media business and the other serving as top editor at a prestigious publication.

If you've been made redundant or are just looking for a new career, here are four methods for guidance.

1. Consider Last Year

It's natural to feel some apprehension about work following time off.

A career expert stresses the importance of looking back before starting a new job search.

She advises people to consider what they desire to do more of, what to decrease, and which factors inspires or drains them.

Looking back at your achievements to spot recurring patterns is also beneficial. "Try to avoid just looking at the last month, as people often have a tendency for recency bias that can hinder clear thinking," she notes.

A former editor notes it is crucial to determine where your work occupies in your life.

This means being candid about the amount of time you devote to work and its impact on your family life.

After her own experience, she advises not allowing your identity be dictated by your career.

2. Implement Small Steps

The expert notes that professionals can implement gradual progress towards changing careers without diving in headfirst.

Her own journey required a long period to make the jump from her corporate career to running a company full-time, working on the venture concurrently with her role, which enabled she could pay herself.

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

She advocates for an experimental method.

This can include volunteer work, getting involved in an initiative that interests you, or saying yes to something different within your current team.

"Worst case scenario, you discover it's not a fit, but it's better to learn now instead of after you've committed fully," she adds.

She also advises exploring interim roles. They are perhaps not the perfect role, but they act as progress forward, such as a role with parallels to the career you want, though not in the exact industry or sector.

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

"This is an intelligent approach for moving nearer to your new career."

3. Remember Your Successes

Should you have recently been made redundant from your role, many are in the same boat – redundancy rates have risen markedly in recent times.

One professional was editor-in-chief for a fashion publication, previously she lost their jobs after the company closed the print version.

Understanding that this situation was not a reflection of her performance helped her process the change.

"Your experience doesn't go away because you were dismissed.

"Don't give up your self-worth, it's crucial for everybody to recognize their intrinsic value."

Another professional was fired following a long tenure in a business journal following a regime change at the top and the arrival of a different editor.

She notes that a lot of the shame of dismissal is internal.

"With many people being laid off, it's usually not about you. Chances are not about you, so avoid carrying that burden of shame unnecessarily."

4. Build a Job Search List

For those who are desperately seeking employment or are profoundly unhappy at work, it can be tempting to jump at for any vacancy – overlooking personal fulfillment.

However, this represents a major error.

Rather, she recommends an exercise called "reviewing" – focusing your search down to job descriptions that seem appealing.

She suggests exploring professional networks and collecting several that you like.

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