Q4 Self Reflection

If all you want for Christmas is a new job, then get prepared to put the pre-festive period to good use. While you're busy eating and spending time with family, you can be relaxed in the know that you did some valuable reflecting in Q4.

"Not enough people take the time to really think about their careers", says Owen Morgan, commercial and operations director at HR consultancy Penna. "By the time New Year's Eve comes around, many resolutions will include getting a promotion or making a career change, but very few will have dwelt on what this will actually involve."

January is often the time for employees' annual appraisals. "For a lot of people, this will be a wasted opportunity", says Morgan. "They will undersell their achievements and skills, mainly because they haven't sat down and thought about them properly."

So to ensure you're ready to climb the career ladder before the Christmas break, here are the questions experts suggest you ask yourself when you manage to grab a moment or two:

1. What are my career goals and aspirations?
2. Have I made progress toward achieving these goals over the past year?
3. What are my key accomplishments and achievements?
4. What skills have I developed or honed during the year?
5. Am I content with my current job and its alignment with my long-term objectives?
6. Do I feel valued and recognized for my contributions at work?
7. Is there room for growth and advancement in my current role?
8. What steps can I take to improve my work-life balance?
9. Am I satisfied with my current compensation and benefits?
10. Do I have a plan in place for professional development and upskilling in the coming year?

In addition to these self-reflection questions, let's also consider the broader context of the job market:

Looking back at Q4 of 2019, the US construction industry experienced a significant surge in hiring, with nearly 150,000 more recruits compared to Q1. However, in 2020, the industry faced formidable challenges due to COVID-19. Q2 witnessed a substantial decline of almost 400,000 workers, but a remarkable resurgence occurred in Q4.

Presently, we observe an increasing number of job opportunities becoming available daily. Companies we collaborate with are demonstrating exceptional communication, and a multitude of roles are emerging.

Whether you're considering joining nationwide contractors, transitioning away from a large contractor for a more relaxed pace, exploring employee-owned companies, contemplating relocation, aiming for a higher position, or pursuing an entirely different role, the possibilities are extensive, and discussions are ready to take place.

By taking the time to reflect on these questions before the holiday season and staying attuned to the evolving job market, you can position yourself for a successful career transition or advancement even before the new year.