You don’t have to have it all figured out in January

If you have been following me for a while, you probably already know this story.

In December 2013, I lost my job.

I spent the Christmas period in complete denial. I told myself everything would be fine. I avoided thinking about it. Just blocked it out of my mind. 

But then January hit.

That first week, everyone else was going back to work and I had nowhere to be. No meetings. No emails. No office.

And suddenly, I couldn’t deny it anymore. I was 100% unemployed.

When survival takes priority over resolutions

I remember how hard it was to think about New Year’s resolutions.

There was just one big thing I needed. A job.

The year stretched out in front of me, but I couldn’t plan anything. I couldn’t dream. I couldn’t set goals. Everything felt on hold until I knew what was next.

Who knew how long that would take?

Turns out, the better part of the year.

I didn’t get a job offer until August. Eight months of job hunting. Eight months of uncertainty.

When I got that job, I finally allowed myself to set goals. My “New Year” came in August that year, because all my focus had to go into one thing.

If January feels heavy, I hear you

So if you’re starting January in a tough spot and goals, hopes and dreams feel like a luxury, I hear you.

And I want to give you permission to do this in your own time.

You don’t have to set goals in January. You can set them in March. Or June. Or August. I did.

Goal setting should not just be for the New Year.

If you need a job and want that to be your sole focus, that is more than okay.

Job hunting is a huge endeavour these days. It takes real energy, focus and resilience. Honestly, it can be your one and only goal for 2026.

Dream big. Then make it doable.

But if you do feel ready to dream this year, I hope you dream big and get creative.

In 2025, I had a client running a restaurant on Oxford Street land a corporate sales role at a well-known tech brand. On paper, a pipe dream. He made it happen.

I had a client in Pharma who wanted a role in big tech. It took three attempts, but she secured a brand partnerships role in a global tech travel company.

I had a gorgeous mum of three who wanted out of real estate and into a creative tech role. Big dream. She made it happen.

Anything is possible with time, a plan and the right support.

Dream big, but break it down. Don’t let the dream overwhelm you. Turn it into steps. Make it achievable.

I love seeing people go after what they want. Nothing makes me happier than watching a client succeed. It’s what gets me out of bed every day.

And I want this for you too.

Thank you for being part of this community. And please don’t be afraid to drop me a note on LinkedIn and tell me how you’re going. I love seeing people succeed.

If you want to make 2026 the year you go big on your career, use the link below to apply to work with me.

The Creative Career Level Up will be opening its doors again very soon. Let’s chat and see if it’s the right fit for you.