How do you feel when you wake up after your wonderful holiday to go back to work? Do you jump out of bed energetically, do you stand in the shower whistling, looking forward to the day ahead? Or do you think back with nostalgia to those relaxing days at that idyllic French campsite or the sunny bungalow in Italy? Maybe you want to stay in bed and dread the working day ahead.

If you recognize yourself in the latter scenario, you’re certainly not alone. According to research by Monsterboard, no less than 60% of Dutch people suffer from the so-called ‘after-holiday dip’. It’s perfectly normal to need some time to get used to your daily routine again. As the American writer Elbert Hubbard once said:

“No one needs a holiday as much as someone who has just had one.”

But what if this dip is more than just returning to reality? What if this moment makes you realize that it’s time to really change course? The job market is better than ever right now, and if you feel that now is the time to look for a new challenge, now may be the time to take action. Here are five tips to help you take the next step in your career:

Tip 1: Clarify your talents

The first step to a new job starts with understanding your own talents. Take the time to map out your successes. Think of things in your life that you’re proud of, accomplishments that make you think, “I did a good job.”

Divide your life into seven-year periods:

Look for successes in each period. You can translate these successes into your talents: what do these achievements say about what you are good at? In addition, you can also ask people around you what talents they see in you. A tool such as the TMA Talent Analysis can help you with this.

Tip 2: Make your goal concrete

Imagine what your ideal workday looks like. Fantasize freely and then compare that vision with reality. Talk to others about your ideas, view vacancies online and research what’s going on in the market.

Turn your vision into a concrete objective:

Write down what your next career step is, why you want to take this step and why you are suitable for it. You can use this objective as the basis for your profile on LinkedIn and in your CV.

Tip 3: Practice your pitch

When your objective is clear, it’s time to practice presenting it. Start with people you trust.

Ask for feedback and refine your pitch further. This short presentation is your basis for interviews with potential employers or clients and can also serve as a video CV.

Tip 4: Go networking!

Networking significantly increases your chances of getting a new job. It’s important to go about this in the right way: ask for advice rather than directly for a job.

A lot of work is found through the grapevine, so conducting exploratory networking conversations can help you find the right opportunities that match your talents and wishes.

Tip 5: Seek help

Although it may seem easy to clarify your talents and make a goal, in practice this can be more challenging than expected.

If you get stuck, call in a career coach. Maybe you click with one of the coaches of Dynamisch Bureau who can guide you in finding the right direction. You can always get to know each other for free to find out who you click with!

Good luck getting used to it or… Change course!

Do you choose to rediscover your current work rhythm or do you decide to set a new course?
Remember that it’s important to listen to yourself and take steps that are right for you. Good luck!