Need Help Starting a Job Search This January? You Are Not Alone.
- cbarrowman4
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
January is often talked about as a fresh start. After Christmas and New Year, there can be pressure to feel motivated and ready to move forward. But for many people, January does not feel positive or exciting. It can feel heavy, stressful, and uncertain, especially if you are thinking about finding work.
If you feel stuck with your job search right now, you are not alone. Many people feel the same way at this time of year for various reasons. Feeling stuck does not mean you have failed. It usually means you need the right support and a calmer way to move forward.
This blog shares 5 simple tips to help you feel less stuck and explains how help starting a job search can make January feel more manageable.
Why January can feel so overwhelming
After the festive period, reality can hit hard. Money worries, tiredness, family responsibilities, and pressure from others can all affect how we feel. When confidence is already low, thinking about work can feel like too much.
Job searching takes energy and belief in yourself. When those things are low, it can be hard to know where to begin.
Take One Small Step at a Time
A common reason people feel stuck is because they think they need a full plan before they start. This can feel overwhelming.
You do not need to know exactly what job you want right now. Try focusing on one small step instead. This could be:
Looking at job options online
Updating one part of your CV
Talking things through with someone supportive
Small steps help reduce pressure and make things feel more possible.
Work On Confidence Before Job Applications
Confidence building is a big part of getting ready for work. If your confidence is low, applying for jobs or going to interviews can feel very scary.
Confidence does not appear overnight. It grows slowly. Talking about your skills, recognising your strengths, and getting reassurance can all help.
You do not need to feel confident before you ask for support. Often, confidence comes from being supported first.
Get CV Help
Many people feel stuck because they are worried about their CV. Gaps in work, lack of experience, or an old CV can all affect confidence.
CV help can make a big difference. A CV is not just about job titles. It can show skills from previous roles, volunteering, training, or life experience.
Having support with your CV can help you feel more prepared, less anxious about applying for work and gives you opinions of your experience and strengths from others.
Ask For Career Advice
Feeling unsure about the future is very common. Career advice can help you explore options without pressure.
Talking through your interests, skills, and situation can help you see what is realistic right now. This can be helpful if you are thinking about changing direction, returning to work, or trying something new.
Good career advice supports you to make choices that fit your life, whether you are a school leaver or a parent looking for flexible work.
You can also access trusted career guidance from the National Careers Service
Look at Local Jobs and Training Options
Looking close to home can make work feel more achievable. Being based in North Lanarkshire, jobs in North Lanarkshire may be easier to fit around travel, family life, and other responsibilities.
Local job training in North Lanarkshire could also help build skills and confidence. Training can be a positive step towards work and can help you feel more prepared.
How Routes to Work Can Support You With Help Starting a Job Search
If January feels hard and you need help starting a job search, Routes to Work is here to support you.
We offer free and friendly support to help you:
Build confidence at your own pace
Get CV help and prepare for interviews
Access career advice and training
Explore local North Lanarkshire Jobs that suit your situation
You do not need to have everything figured out. You do not need a CV or a clear plan right now. Support can start with a simple conversation.
Take the First Step When You Feel Ready
January does not have to be about fixing everything at once. Feeling stuck is more common than you think.
If you would like help starting a job search, Routes to Work is here to help you take your next step in a calm and supportive way.
Visit https://www.routestowork.co.uk/ to find out more
You can register as a client by visiting https://www.routestowork.co.uk/contact-us and filling out the form.
