Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Feeling stuck? Are you job hugging but afraid to make a move? That’s when you cling to a job you don’t love because leaving feels risky. You’re not alone: U.S. employee engagement has fallen to a 10-year low, with only 31 percent of workers truly engaged in their jobs. Just 37 percent feel good about training and only 26 percent feel optimistic they’ll get a promotion. The good news: you don’t have to blow up your life to change it. November is prime time for a strategic shift, targeted moves that position you for bigger opportunities in 2026.
The countdown is on. Less than 60 days until the new year, two months to rebrand, grow and improve your work life.
“What do you value and how can you make your values your superpower,” said Betsy Gardner, CEO, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.
Experts share the five moves to reset your career before January.
Move number one, take a 30-minute personal audit. Do you have what it takes to be a leader? Write five to 10 words that describe your values. If they don’t match how you act or dress or email, adjust.
Move two, ask for the ladder. Where will I be in three to six and 12 months from now. Schedule a one-on-one and ask the hard questions.
“What is some piece of feedback you’ve hesitated to give me before?” said Artie Gately, LMHC, Career Counselor.
That question signals emotional maturity, but the one question that will get you noticed?
“What does success look like in this role to you?” explained Gately.
Move three, pivot to service-centered leadership. Approach every project as if you’re providing a service. Anticipate needs, listen, and deliver solutions.
Move number four, when pushed to do more, start with yes.
“Can you give me a day to sketch something out and come up with some ideas, including not only how we put the project in place, but how we mitigate some of the potential risk,” said Paul Patti, Greybeard Coaching.
Move five, pick one micro-credential to finish by January, one relationship to deepen, one process to improve. Five things to start now, so you’re ready day one in 2026.
Another way to get noticed? The more you support the people around you, the more value you bring to the entire organization. Spend an hour shadowing a teammate this month and return with one actionable idea to make their workday easier.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/654911/employee-engagement-sinks-year-low.aspx
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/12/10/job-satisfaction/
