Why January is the worst month for major career decisions
By
Tom May
Lightly browned and well buttered. A solid pick from the rack.
Summary
The author shares a personal anecdote about making a poor career decision in January—launching a new creative project that was abandoned by March. The article argues that January is a terrible time for big career decisions because people are physically and mentally depleted after the holidays, financially strained, and biologically inclined to hibernate. The author advises waiting until later in the year when energy, resources, and clarity are restored before making significant professional changes.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledMany moons ago, in January, I did something pretty dumb.
I spent three weeks agonising over colour palettes whilst wrapped in a duvet, drinking instant coffee—because I'd run out of the good stuff and payday was still a fortnight away.
By March, I'd binned the entire thing.
January is possibly the worst month of the year to make any significant career decisions.
Your brain is a potato, your bank account is empty, and Mother Nature is begging you to hibernate.
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