Slow down, it’s the holidays

It's the holiday season which means, more often than not, women are feeling overwhelmed with work obligations, family issues, finances, weather, travel, and health. If you're contemplating a job search or are in one, add to all that another layer of complexity. Here are a few thoughts to help navigate the next four weeks.

If you cannot focus on your job search right now, surrender to the most pressing demands on your time. The job search will be there when you have more time in January. If someone is sick in your family, that obviously needs attention now. If you must travel for the holidays, you need to make those arrangements. Remember that many companies pause hiring at the end of the year for budgetary and staffing reasons. Take a breath and focus on what needs your attention today. Job openings, LinkedIn, social media, career advice will all be there in January.  

If you are traveling and talking with friends and families over the holidays, notice what you choose to share and how you feel when sharing it. Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day we don't realize how much we actually like our job (or vice versa) until we're asked the "how's work going" question that we may only hear once or twice a year. Find time to reflect on conversations. Sometimes we see old friends during the holidays who help us remember the key things that make us happy. Use any insights you gather during the holidays to help you plan in the new year.

Take time for joy. You will never regret missing work to attend a child's holiday concert or playing hooky some afternoon to catch up with your best friend or driving those extra few miles to see the light show that only happens at the holidays. The isolation and loss of the pandemic years taught many of us the lesson of what really matters: spending time with ones we love. Don't lose that lesson now.

Wishing you joy, rest, unexpected gifts, and all good things this holiday season.