Hi friend,
If January already feels long – and maybe a little daunting – I want to say this gently: you’re not doing anything wrong.
We’re coming out of a season that asks a lot of people. The holidays, year-end deadlines, family dynamics, financial pressure, time off (or the lack of it), and then suddenly… it’s January. Back to routines, expectations, and the quiet question of “What now?”
That kind of re-entry can feel disorienting.
And on top of that, many people are navigating long job searches or career transitions in a market that’s been slow and unpredictable. So if your energy feels uneven, your clarity feels fuzzy, or your motivation hasn’t “snapped back” yet — that makes sense.
January isn’t really a fresh start. It’s more of a re-orientation.
Behind the scenes, a lot is actually shifting right now. After year-end bonuses are paid and time off wraps up, people who’ve been waiting quietly often feel more able to make moves. Departures get announced. Teams reshuffle. Budgets reset. Space begins to open – not always loudly, and not all at once, but gradually.
That’s why this season isn’t about forcing momentum or panic-applying.
It’s about positioning.
- Clarity about what you want.
- Readiness to tell your story when it matters.
- Staying engaged in ways that don’t exhaust you.
If you’ve been discouraged, this isn’t false hope – it’s context. And context matters, especially when things feel slow.
So if January already feels heavy, here’s your permission slip:
- You don’t need to sprint.
- You don’t need to have everything figured out.
- You don’t need to disappear, either.
Thoughtful, gentle engagement goes a long way in moments like this.
A small, practical note (for you or someone you love)
If you – or someone in your life – is job searching and craving structure without overwhelm, I do have a Networking Toolkit available. It’s designed to make outreach feel human and doable, not awkward or forced.
It includes templates, guidance, and a custom GPT built specifically for networking – something that, on its own, would easily be worth $50 – but is included as part of the toolkit to support people through this season.
No pressure at all – just an option, especially if you’re thinking about a practical, supportive gift for a job seeker who could use a little steadiness right now.
Wherever you are in this moment – re-entering, recalibrating, or quietly figuring things out – I’m rooting for you.
More soon. For now, be gentle with yourself.
Warmly,
Gladys
Gladys Pérez
Trauma-informed career coach & clarity strategist
Schedule a Free Clarity Call ▪ Get the Networking Toolkit ▪ Join a Co-Working Friday
📞646-598-7458