Careers & workplace advice from Hays

How to channel your January blues into a new career

Susie Timlin

Chief Operating Officer, UK Government Investments

7 Jan 2016

New year, new career: it’s got a certain ring to it, don’t you think? Many of us dream of starting a new job in the new year but sadly for too many, it remains a resolution that fizzles out before the end of January.

Maybe that’s because we put too much energy into fantasising and too little into actually making it happen. But that doesn’t mean this year can’t be different. In dreams responsibilities begin, and if you really do want to launch out in a new direction this year, not only can you do it.

A sober look at the big picture

The ‘perfect moment’ that you’re waiting for may never come

The partying’s over and it’s time to take stock. Generally speaking, the outlook on the job front is brighter than it’s been for a few years. The global economy’s on more of an even keel, wage growth is at a four year high (in my native United Kingdom), and recruitment is buoyant across a wide range of sectors worldwide.

Depending on what direction you want to take your career in, conditions may well be perfect for making your move in 2018, but even if they aren’t, don’t be tempted to wait for a more favourable wind at your back; the ‘perfect moment’ that you’re waiting for may never come. It’s the start of a new year and now’s the time to keep your momentum moving forward.

Have a plan, and start it today

First you need to know exactly what it is you want. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, then you’ll never find it. Over the festive break, I listened to an interesting TED Talk entitled ‘How to find work you love’, delivered by the recently deceased entrepreneur Scott Dinsmore and it got me thinking. Scott says that in order to find the work you love you should consider the following three questions:

  1. What are your unique strengths?
  2. What is your motivation? (I.e. money, family, success)
  3. What is your experience?

The chances are that you’ve been considering a change in job for a while. Maybe you’ve already had a look around at what’s available, done some research and networking; perhaps you’ve brushed up on a few old skills or learned some new ones (always a good idea), and already started on your journey. Whatever stage you’re at – once you’ve decided to wipe the slate clean – draw up an action plan and get to work.

Take the first few steps

Planning a role change doesn’t have to be laborious; you can begin during your lunch hour today. This could involve:

In other words, do everything you can to improve your chances of success.For an extensive guide on building your career plan, take a look at this Viewpoint blog which I previously authored.

Stick with it

There’s something real and definitive about committing a plan to paper

Making a resolution can feel very empowering but it’s important to remember that you’re in it for the long haul (or as long as it takes to open the new chapter on your career) so once the initial rush of energy and enthusiasm wears off, or you get a few knock-backs, be ready to stiffen your resolve and push through.

One way to help you stick to your plan is to commit it to paper, as articulated by our CEO Alistair Cox in his latest LinkedIn Influencer blog. “There’s something real and definitive about committing a plan to paper. It now exists and demands to be actioned,” he says.

It’s also worth mentioning that announcing your grand plans to friends and family before you’ve actually embarked upon them can actually lessen your resolve to push forward, such is the rush we get from people’s premature congratulations. You are your own game-changer, so stay positive and remind yourself what made you decide to go for that new career in the first place. Promise yourself this year’s going to be the one!

Surround yourself with successful people

One way to help you achieve your long-term goals is to change your environment (social and professional), so that you’re constantly communicating with ambitious and high-achieving individuals. This can help change your mind-set from ‘How can I ever accomplish this?’ to ‘How can I not accomplish this?’

I’m a great believer in that old adage, ‘You are the average of the five closest people around you’, so surround yourself with people you admire and who inspire you. As the aforementioned Scott Dinsmore said, “The fastest way to do things you think can’t be done is to surround yourself with people who are already doing them”.

Sometimes surrounding yourself with successful people can open you up to all kinds of new opportunities. “You must be adaptable to the opportunities that suddenly appear and take your chances along the way,” says Alistair Cox. So, for this new year, if you’re not prepared to take the jump just yet, why not at least make a commitment to welcome more opportunities and experiences than you did last year?

What you tell yourself matters

You’re never too old to learn something new

Often we’re our own harshest critics so be careful not to self-sabotage your dream of forging a new career by telling yourself that you’re too old, not experienced enough, don’t have the specific skills, that’s it’s safer to stay where you are rather than take a risk, and so on… You’re never too old to learn something new and if you really don’t have the skills you think you need, then you can always learn them.

Focus on what you can do and decide not to let another year slip by without going after that career move. If you think that Hays might be able to help you find your dream role then you may contact your local office here.

Want to progress in your career? Our career progression tips will help you get to where you want to be

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Author

Susie Timlin

Chief Operating Officer, UK Government Investments

Susie is Chief Operating Officer (COO) at UK Government Investments (UKGI). UKGI’s purpose is to be the UK government’s centre of excellence in corporate finance and corporate governance, working across government on some of its most interesting and complex commercial tasks.

In her role as COO, Susie works to ensure that the business has effective operational management, optimal organisational design, and that UKGI are able to hire, develop, manage and remunerate their people in the best way possible.

Prior to joining UKGI, Susie was Global Director for People and Culture at Hays Talent Solutions.

Career advice, Career progression tips
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