Stop Coasting: Bold Career Moves You Need to Make Before the New Year Hits
The holidays aren’t just for eggnog and ugly sweaters — they’re prime time for setting yourself apart in your career pivot or job search. But let’s ditch the cookie-cutter advice and go for the bold and unexpected. This season, it’s all about low effort, high reward moves that actually work.
Here’s your holiday cheat sheet for getting ahead without breaking a sweat:
1. Host a Cozy, Career-Boosting Brunch
Invite a small group of trusted friends, former colleagues, or even neighbors for an informal gathering. Make it casual, but purposeful — spark conversations about your industry, share insights, and subtly mention what you’re working toward. People are more inclined to help when the vibe feels warm and collaborative.
2. Send Out “Gratitude Notes” with a Twist
Skip the generic holiday cards. Instead, write short, thoughtful messages to people in your network thanking them for their impact on your life or career. Here’s the twist: mention something you’re exploring and casually invite them to connect in the new year. People love helping when it feels natural, not transactional.
3. Use Holiday Downtime to Become a LinkedIn Lurker
Here’s the move: spend just 10–15 minutes a day engaging with posts from leaders in your industry. Drop insightful comments, share their content, or DM them with genuine compliments. It’s a low-effort way to get noticed and plant seeds for future opportunities without cold pitching.
4. Organize Your Inbox Like a Boss
This one’s so simple but gets overlooked: create folders for job alerts, networking conversations, and application follow-ups. Use the quiet of the holidays to clean up your emails and set reminders. You’ll feel instantly more in control — and that confidence is priceless.
5. Throw Out the Résumé Rulebook
This is your permission slip to break the mold. Create a résumé that reads like a highlight reel, not a boring list of job duties. Tailor it to reflect the career you’re aiming for, not just the jobs you’ve had. Use bold language, quantifiable wins, and maybe even a pop of color. (Yes, it’s bold — but it works.)
6. Craft a “Why I’m Awesome” Email Signature
Every email you send is a mini-branding opportunity. Update your signature to include a short, punchy line about your expertise or a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn. It’s subtle, powerful, and makes people curious enough to click.
7. Strategically Declutter Your Closet
Hear me out: while you’re purging for the New Year, pull together a few high-quality pieces that reflect the professional image you want to project. Donate the rest, and set yourself up to look like the role you want without scrambling for outfits before interviews.
8. Turn Holiday Cards Into Secret Networking Tools
When sending holiday cards, include a handwritten note that briefly shares what you’re excited about for next year. It’s not a brag — it’s a conversation starter that keeps you top of mind with people who might help open doors.
9. Bookmark Job Listings Without Applying
Not every opportunity is meant for now. Use the holidays to identify companies and roles you’re interested in for the future. Bookmark them, research key players, and prep your strategy to approach them intentionally when the timing’s right.
10. Record a 30-Second Video Pitch
Take a moment between holiday movie marathons to record a short video introducing yourself, your skills, and your goals. Share it with your network in a DM or email with a note like, “This is what I’m working toward — let me know if someone comes to mind who might be able to help.” It’s bold, memorable, and shockingly effective.
This holiday season, trade the “hustle harder” energy for intentional, unexpected moves that actually get results. With these low-effort, high-reward habits, you’ll slide into the New Year already ahead of the game.
What’s one bold move you’ll make to pivot your career before the ball drops?
#CareerPivot #HolidayHabits #CareerNomad
About the author
Patrice Williams-Lindo is a leading expert in leadership innovation and organizational development, with a rich background in consulting anchored in Organizational Psychology and Instructional Technology. She has successfully steered numerous organizations through the complexities of today’s dynamic work environments by emphasizing agile and transformative leadership. Patrice is recognized for her ability to translate advanced strategies into actionable insights, making her a sought-after speaker and consultant. Her work in fostering inclusive, resilient, and innovative workplace cultures aligns with modern business’s pressing demands. Patrice’s contributions to professional development and her commitment to ethical practices in digital media and technology have established her as a pivotal figure in shaping forward-thinking leaders and teams. Her credentials include significant achievements in leadership consulting and a proven track record of empowering professionals to navigate and excel in rapidly changing landscapes.
