As the year begins to wind down, Thanksgiving spirit and festivities offer a perfect time to hit the pause button. It’s a holiday marked with gratitude, family, and, for many of us, contemplation. If you allow this season to become a true gut check, Thanksgiving can initiate a turning point in your job search journey. Whether you’re currently searching, considering a change, or preparing for the next career move, this season invites you to gather your thoughts and reap a harvest of gratitude.
Below are five essential areas to consider as you revisit what matters most. Each of these steps will help you find clarity, refine your strategy, and stay encouraged as you search for the right fit.
1. Reflect on Values and Goals
Time with family and a heart of gratitude will naturally start to stir up an appreciation for what you value most. Spend some time aligning your personal values with the professional values and missions you desire in an organization. Consider how your values would reflect in a workplace culture. Name non-negotiable traits your future employer could have in order to protect those values.
Taking time to clarify these values can help you filter opportunities, focusing your search on organizations that are a better fit for your long-term motivations. Embracing this clarity will make it easier to spot roles that match your goals and to feel confident about the choices you’re making.
2. Gratitude for Past Experiences
Reflect on the lessons learned from past jobs, even if they sprang from unpleasant experiences. What did previous supervisors, conflicts, and obstacles teach you about your strengths, interests, or areas for growth? What insights have stuck with you?
This reflection isn’t just about letting go of frustrations; it’s about carrying forward lessons that guide your next steps. Gratitude reframes even challenging experiences as essential pieces of your journey. You can take that fresh perspective into interviews as you explain how your experiences have helped you grow professionally and prepared you for what is next.
3. Reevaluate Professional Relationships
Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the importance of connection, including your professional network. You have a natural opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and other contacts. Consider sharing notes of gratitude for their presence in and impact on your life. These simple gestures often reopen doors or provide new opportunities you may not have expected.
Strengthening these relationships not only grows your network but can also reveal insights into the job market, industry changes, or even specific job leads. Not to mention, a warm note of thanks is always appreciated.
4. Ponder Personal Fulfillment and Work-Life Balance
Thanksgiving’s theme of gratitude offers a chance to step back and view the bigger picture. What would a job look like that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally? Hold on to this idea, because the pursuit of the “perfect role” can lead you to take hits in your personal life, quickly resulting in burnout. Consider your specific needs to care for family, maintain friendships, and pursue rest, and what a healthy amount of margin should be in addition. Take this time to ensure that the opportunities you’re considering allow room for you to thrive outside the office, too.
Ask yourself if a prospective job would add value to your life or if it might pull you to compromise important areas. This honest assessment can guide you toward sustainable positions that support your long-term well-being.
5. Create an Actionable Plan
After reflecting, maintain the momentum and outline clear next steps, such as updating your resume, pursuing balance, and reaching out to potential employers or mentors. Taking small, focused steps can build traction and help you feel more empowered during the process.
When you’re ready, consider mapping out a short-term plan for reaching out, applying, and interviewing so you can keep moving forward after the holidays.
Moving Forward: Catching Your Footing
If you feel set back, and can’t find the next step, get the help you need to keep driving forward. Consider partnering with our team through VanderCoaching. You’ll be partnered with one of our experienced executive consultants, experts in helping professionals advance their careers in alignment with their skills, values, and aspirations. You’ll learn how to reach your peak potential and become the candidate every team hopes for.
Searching for that right fit, and becoming the unicorn candidate that organization needs is a constantly developing journey—one that benefits from patience, reflection, and clear direction. This Thanksgiving, realign your search toward your deeper values and long-term goals through a heart of gratitude and reflection.