December: the season of never-ending to-do lists. Write cards, buy presents, order the turkey, attend the school play, organise a Secret Santa gift for the office, and attend all the social events that seemed like a great idea when you RSVPed back in October. There’s no escaping it; December can feel like a whirlwind.
With so much going on, it’s no wonder you’re already feeling pulled in a zillion different directions, and it’s hardly surprising you want to put any big decisions – like changing careers – on the back burner.
Yet, amidst all the Christmas madness, December offers a rare chance to pause. With some time off work over the holidays (and hopefully a few quieter moments between the celebrations), you’ve got a golden opportunity to slow down, reflect and reset.
With this in mind, I’ve shared some tips below to help you use December wisely and start your career change journey without feeling overwhelmed.
Make time for your career change
I’m going to start with some tough love – being busy isn’t a reason to stay stuck in a career that doesn’t fulfil you! It’s just a reason to stay stuck.
No matter how hectic your schedule, there are always pockets of time to carve out for what matters. Whether it’s a morning coffee brainstorm, a quiet moment after dinner, or even jotting down ideas whilst waiting for the kettle to boil – allocate some time and make your career change a priority.
Break things down into small, actionable steps
Remember, you don’t need to have your whole plan figured out by January 1st. Instead, think of your career change as a series of small, manageable steps, each one building on the last.
Start by identifying one simple thing you can do this week. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make a list of what you truly want in your next role
- Arrange a coffee chat with someone whose job sparks your interest
- Listen to a podcast episode about career change or read a LinkedIn article for inspiration
- Update your CV. You can read my tips for creating an eye-catching CV here.
Reach out to your support network
December is the ideal time to lean on your support network. Use festive meetups to have conversations with trusted friends, family or mentors about your career thoughts. They might be able to offer insights and fresh ideas or even remind you of strengths you’ve forgotten about.
And don’t hesitate to ask for practical help, too. Could someone help with wrapping presents or keeping the kids entertained for an afternoon? Delegating even small tasks can free up mental bandwidth and gift you precious time for career planning.
Look at the bigger picture… not just the New Year
December offers a natural pause for reflection. Use this time to envision how you’d like your life to look a year from now. This isn’t about quick resolutions; it’s about setting a clear and focused course for a more fulfilling future.
To help you with your end-of-year reflections, you can read this blog.
Want to chat about how to find more purpose and joy in your work?
Career change doesn’t have to feel daunting, and you don’t have to do it alone.
So, if you’re ready to find more purpose and joy in your work in 2025, let’s have a chat and get you moving toward a career you love. You can book a free virtual coffee with me here.
It would also be great to connect with you on Facebook and LinkedIn!
