I want to talk about how everybody uses the new year to say, “this year I'm going to do this, and I'm going to do that,” especially when it comes to their career. It’s a moment filled with potential, but it often misses the most crucial first step. We get so caught up in the what—the new job title, the salary bump, the big move—that we forget to ask the most important question.
It is so important to make sure that you understand the why behind the thing that you're saying you want to do. Whether it's growing with the current company, finding a different career path, or starting your own business, the key is understanding how it's going to fulfill you. This isn't about just checking a box on a to-do list; it's about connecting your ambition to your core.
This is where knowing who you are becomes so important. That self-awareness is really going to help drive you forward when things get tough. Everyone needs a North Star. When you're transitioning into something new, understanding what that North Star is—that genuine, personal "why"—is everything. It's the internal compass that keeps you on a path that feels right, not just one that looks good on paper.
🛠️ Try This: Forget the specific goal for a minute. Ask yourself this instead: “How, specifically, will this new path fulfill me?” Write down three feelings or outcomes you're truly seeking (e.g., "creative autonomy," "less stress," "mentorship opportunities"). That's the beginning of your North Star.
🧠 Did You Know? According to a recent LinkedIn survey, nearly two-thirds of professionals think about changing their jobs to start the new year. However, one of the biggest roadblocks isn't a lack of options, but a lack of clarity on what they truly want next.
📌 ROSE Recruiter Notes: If I were job searching today... I wouldn't even open a job board first. I’d sit down with a notebook and get painfully honest about what my North Star actually is. Am I chasing a title? A bigger paycheck? Or am I chasing a feeling—of purpose, of flexibility, of being genuinely valued? Because if you don't know the "why," every "what" you achieve will feel a little bit empty. Defining that first makes the entire search more focused and, ultimately, more fulfilling.
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🎧 Listen to the Podcast Short, real talk on what it takes to land the job — and keep your peace in the process. ▶️ Quick Tips For Job Seekers Podcast
🌀 Weekly Reminder: This is a new year. You deserve to be fulfilled in your career.
Wishing you the best!