The Break Between: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Reflect on What’s Next
The end of year slow down is more than just a time to switch off. It is a moment when many of us pause, zoom out, and quietly ask ourselves the bigger questions.
Is this what I want to be doing next year?
Am I still growing? Still fulfilled?
If not this, then what?
You are not alone if these thoughts surface during your break. Research shows job searching peaks in January, right after the holiday pause, because this is when we naturally reflect, evaluate, and reimagine. Many professionals are questioning whether their current role still fits who they are becoming.
But here is the thing.
Not everyone needs to leap into something new.
Sometimes the right next step is a pivot, a recalibration, or a conscious decision to stay, but with clearer boundaries, renewed purpose, and more intention.
For many women, insight becomes meaningful change when paired with the right support, which is why coaching can be valuable at any stage of your career.
What Is a Career Mindset and Why Does It Matter?
Your career mindset is the lens through which you experience your work life. It influences how you:
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Set goals or avoid them
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Make decisions or stay stuck
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Respond to opportunity, risk, or feedback
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Define success and fulfilment
When your mindset and your career path are aligned, work feels clearer and more energising. When they are not, even a good role can start to feel heavy or draining.
That sense of being stuck is often not a motivation issue. It is a mindset signal.
When women understand how their thinking is shaping their choices, real change becomes possible.
5 Common Career Mindsets (Which One Sounds Like You?)
Through years of coaching mid career professional women, five common career mindsets consistently show up when someone is ready for change.
You may see yourself clearly in one, or notice elements of yourself across several.
1. The Career Changer
“This chapter is done. What’s next for me?”
You feel misaligned, unfulfilled, or quietly unhappy in your role. You think about a completely different path, but fear, self doubt, or uncertainty keep you stuck in place.
Career change does not have to mean starting from scratch. With the right clarity and support, transitions can be thoughtful and strategic.
2. The Career Climber
“I am ready for more promotion, leadership, and impact.”
You are capable, driven, and ready to step into something bigger. Yet recognition, visibility, or confidence may be holding you back from the next level.
Many women are already doing senior level work without being seen as senior leaders.
3. The Career Compromiser
“Something has to give. I need more balance.”
You have said yes for a long time. You are good at what you do, but stretched thin and exhausted. You want your career to fit your life, not dominate it.
This stage often requires stronger boundaries, not more effort.
4. The Career Crafter
“I do not want to start over, but I want it to feel better.”
You do not hate your job, but you have outgrown parts of it. You are ready to reshape your role, stretch your skills, or make your work feel more aligned with who you are now.
This is about redesigning from where you are, not walking away from everything you have buil.
5. The Career Creator
“I have ideas. Maybe it is time to build something of my own.”
You are energised by possibility. Learning, side projects, portfolio careers, or building something new excites you more than climbing a traditional ladder.
You want autonomy, creativity, and the freedom to design work on your terms.
So What Is Your Career Mindset?
When you understand your career mindset, you stop guessing.
Instead of asking, “What should I do next?”
You start asking, “What kind of career actually supports who I am now?”
That shift reduces overthinking and brings clarity.
Let This Break Be More Than a Pause
You do not need to have everything figured out during this break. But this space between years is powerful.
It is a chance to reflect without pressure.
To get curious instead of critical.
To choose your next step intentionally.
To help with this, I created a short, research informed quiz designed specifically for mid career women.
Unlock Your Career Potential
Discover Your Career Persona and Next Step
In just two minutes, you will receive:
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Your personalised career persona
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Insight into your strengths and blind spots
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A practical next step aligned with where you are now
