October: The Perfect moment for a Self-assessment
Feeling stuck in a job that doesn’t spark joy? Is your career starting to feel like that old scratchy sweater you keep for no good reason? Don’t worry: it’s totally normal. October is your golden opportunity to hit the reset button through self-assessment. This magical autumn month is like a piping-hot cup of coffee: it jolts you awake, reignites your motivation, and hands you the perfect excuse to take stock of your life and set your sights on a future that excites you.
Picture it: crisp October air, golden leaves underfoot, and the sweet promise of a fresh start. Just like trees shedding their leaves to make space for spring growth, it’s time to let go of whatever’s been weighing you down. Still not convinced? Give me a minute.
Post-Back-to-School: Prime Time for a Self-Audit
Ah, September… that month when you feel like a hamster on a wheel, desperately trying to keep up with a to-do list longer than the Great Wall of China. It starts all shiny and full of good intentions, but quickly gets torn apart by the chaos of real life.
Then October strolls in with a deep breath and a “let’s slow down” vibe. The back-to-school chaos has passed, and you finally have a moment to catch your breath. You’re no longer stuck in the post-vacation sprint — you’re in that delicious lull that’s perfect for thinking about your career. So why not use this moment to check in with yourself?
Natural Cycles Call for Reflection
The seasons influence our energy. As autumn settles in, we naturally slip into a more introspective mood. It’s as if your brain decides it’s time for some spring cleaning — in October. So lean into it.
Ask yourself the big questions: Are you satisfied with your current path?
Do your goals from earlier this year still make sense, or have they quietly collected dust in a mental drawer somewhere?
Now’s the moment to reconnect with your real dreams: not the ones you have during afternoon naps, but the ones that light a fire under you.
One Last Push Before Year-End Chaos
October also offers a tactical advantage: it gives you time to recalibrate before the end-of-year whirlwind hits. Because once November and December roll around, you’re swept up in holidays, hot chocolate, and an endless stream of festive obligations. Spoiler: you’re not going to want to update your CV between cookie baking and gift wrapping.
Use this quieter moment to adjust your course. Imagine walking into 2025 with goals as clear as a cloudless autumn sky. No last-minute panic, just cool-headed, confident planning.
HR Is in the Mood to Talk, Too
Bonus point: October is also a great time to book that chat with your manager or HR. They’ve made it through the September rush, but they’re not yet buried under annual reviews. It’s an ideal window to talk about your professional development — whether it’s a promotion, a new project, training, or even just lobbying for a better coffee machine (the struggle is real).
Let’s be honest: asking for a career conversation in December is like trying to convince a toddler that broccoli is a treat. Not the best timing.
How to Make Your Self-Audit Count
October is tailor-made for reviewing the year. Dust off those January goals — you know, the ones that started strong but quietly fizzled out somewhere around March. Ask yourself: What went well? What needs tweaking?
Maybe you discovered a surprising passion (hello, pottery class!), or maybe your priorities shifted (thanks to remote work, you’re now dreaming of a slower life in the countryside). This is the moment to realign.
👉 Coach’s Tip: Try the “Autumn Career Triage”
You’ve probably heard of fall wardrobe decluttering, but did you know you can apply the same principle to your career goals?
Yes, the KonMari method works on ambition too. Time to sort through your to-do list, projects, and dreams with clarity and intention:
- Keep: The goals that still matter (that promotion, that exciting side project). These are your crown jewels — hold onto them!
- Recycle: Some projects don’t need to be binned, just refreshed. That training course you’ve been putting off? Maybe it just needs a new angle.
- Toss: Let go of those dead-end resolutions (yes, the 5AM productivity fantasy can go in the trash).
In short: lighten your load, focus on what truly matters, and use this fresh energy to move forward with ease.
Get a Head Start on 2025
Could you wait for January to start fresh? October gives you a head start. While everyone else is still stuck in “Advent Calendar mode,” you’ll already have a sharp, exciting vision for 2025. You’ll be ready to hit the new year running — whether with a glass of champagne or a mug of tea (no judgment here).
Final Thoughts: October, Your Career’s Secret Weapon
So why is October the best time for a personal check-in? Because it hits that sweet spot between reflection, action, and anticipation. A month that’s both mellow and charged with possibility. The perfect time to tweak your career plan without getting swept up in the holiday frenzy.
