Feeling Stuck at Work? Here’s How to Reset Your Career Before 2025 Ends

If you’re reading this and thinking “I’m stuck” at work, you’re far from alone. Across Australia and New Zealand, professionals are quietly reflecting on their roles right now, wondering if 2026 could be the year they change direction. With evolving job-markets, shifting skills demands and increased mobility, this moment is a strategic launchpad especially if you act now. 

Why Many People Feel Stuck and Why the Time Is Right 

In Australia, about 51% of employers report they are recruiting or have recruited in the past month, yet 45% say they can’t fill roles, and 44% have vacancies open for more than a month. What does this mean for you? It means that although you may feel trapped in your current role, the backdrop of momentum and transformation is real. Employers are seeking talent with refreshed skills and fresh ambition, and December is your window to prepare for that move. 

Step 1: Self-Audit Your Current Role 

Before you start applying for new jobs, pause and ask yourself: 

  • Which parts of my job energise me, and which drain me? 
  • Am I genuinely growing, being challenged, learning new things? 
  • Are my personal ambitions still aligned with what I’m doing today? 

If you’ve answered “no” to any of these, it’s time to reset. Write down three things you want in your next role (e.g., higher autonomy, career growth, better culture) and two things you’d like to avoid (e.g., stagnant progression, unclear leadership, lack of flexibility). 

Step 2: Map Transferable Skills & Future-Ready Skills 

Changing roles doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. While specific Australian data on application growth is less publicised, the recruitment market’s difficulty with 45% of recruiting employers unable to fill roles signals heightened competition and shifting expectations. 

Take stock of your transferable skills (communication, project-management, technical experience) and map them to future-ready skills in demand across ANZ. Update your CV and LinkedIn to highlight how you added value, not just what you did. 

Step 3: Clean Up Your Market Presence & Network Strategically 

Hiring is expected to pick up again in January as companies reset after year-end. Use December as your preparation window. 

  • Refresh your LinkedIn headline and summary to reflect your next-step ambition across ANZ markets. 
  • Add recent achievements and quantify impact if you can. 
  • Reach out to one recruiter or industry contact let them know you’re preparing for a move early in 2026. 
  • Book a networking coffee or virtual chat with someone in Australia or New Zealand momentum begins with connection. 

Step 4: Engage a Trusted Recruitment Partner 

They can help you translate your career ambitions into market insight for both Australia and New Zealand. Consider: 

  • What roles are opening early in 2026 in ANZ? 
  • What timelines are typical in today’s market? 
  • How can you stand out in a tighter candidate pool? 

Even if you’re not moving imminently, early engagement gives you a significant advantage. 

Step 5: Set a Launch Plan for January 

By the end of December aim to have: 

  • Your target role(s) defined (Australia & New Zealand scope) 
  • CV and LinkedIn updated 
  • At least one networking conversation booked 
  • A recruiter engaged 
  • A transition timeline ready (notice period, start date, what you’ll focus on first 90 days) 

With these in place, you’ll walk into 2026 proactively not reactively. 

Final Word: Make December the Launchpad for Your 2026 

Feeling stuck at work isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a signal for change. By using the remaining weeks of 2025 as your strategic preparation period, you can move into 2026 with clarity, momentum and purpose. December isn’t just downtime: it’s your well-timed reset. 

That next role, the fresh challenge, the renewed sense of direction: it’s closer than you might think! And at Frontline we’re ready to support you when you’re ready to move.