What the Winter Arc can do for your career
Proactivity is one of the hottest trends online right now – will you embrace its potential?
The Winter Arc: proactivity is trending
Now that we’re nearing the end of the year, it’s easy to think that all big plans can be postponed until after the holidays. But instead of waiting for January to start making changes in your life or career, why not join in on the trend currently spreading across the internet? It’s all about using this time proactively and preparing for the new year now – and it can just as well be applied to your career!
The start of the winter season is a time of year that offers a fantastic opportunity to build momentum. Start the new year with proactively gathered strength, instead of feeling like you must start over from scratch: by that time, you already have your training, diet, and other cliché New Year’s resolutions to mind…
Refresh your career – don’t get stuck!
The average person spends hundreds of hours at work each year, but not everyone takes the time to actually develop their career. On the contrary, many people stop thinking about new goals as soon as they have a secure job where they feel happy enough to continue their daily routine just as it is.
There’s nothing wrong with being satisfied with what you have – but for those with larger ambitions, the fulfillment that an exciting career can offer may be missing. By taking advantage of this season and continuing to invest in your career, you can avoid the common pitfalls that prevent many from reaching their full potential.
Comfort is nice – for a while
It’s only natural to want a comfortable life – a good salary, nice colleagues, and steady work assignments often make us content with our situation. Even so, that everyday sameness can eventually lead to understimulation and a decline in motivation.
By taking small but meaningful steps toward growth and change, you can avoid getting stuck in routine. Remember, it doesn’t always require major efforts; being proactive now can reduce stress in the future. Start taking a look around you: cultivate positive habits and relationships that could open up new opportunities down the line, and keep your momentum going!
Invest your time – an hour today can have a big impact later
Developing your career doesn’t need to take much time. Just one hour of light scouting a month, or even every quarter, can be enough to stay informed about the job market and new opportunities coming up. For example, staying informed on what job listings are popping up, engaging with your network on LinkedIn or attending occasional interviews (even without any intention to change jobs anytime soon) can keep you sharp without being overwhelming, and may only take a few moments of your whole year. Small efforts now can lead to significant change for the better in your future!
Don’t forget about tomorrow just because today is good
You may already feel like you have the perfect job with a high salary, great colleagues, and challenging tasks. However, not staying alert to new opportunities could prevent you from discovering what else is out there in the future. What feels right today might not bring the same joy five years from now, as you and your priorities evolve. By staying informed about the job market and building new connections, you create more options for the future.
Career tips for the Winter Arc
Working proactively on your career means always being open to new opportunities – even when you’re happy where you are. Here are a few ways to make the most of your time during the last months of the year:
- Ensure continuous growth. Discuss your development plan with your manager and set goals for what you want to achieve, both in the short and long term.
- Stay active on the job market, even if you’re not planning on switching jobs right now. It may open doors that you can’t foresee today.
- Stop waiting for “the perfect time” to make a change. Every interview or connection can provide valuable insights that help you make informed decisions when new opportunities arise.
So be proactive and make the most of the winter months and the winter arc by thinking about the future now, giving yourself a head start for the upcoming year. Don’t wait until 2025 to start working on your career goals – begin now and kick off the new year with a solid plan!
