The Holiday Slowdown Is Your Secret Advantage

Hi there,

While everyone else is checked out and coasting through the holidays, there's a quieter truth most people miss: this is actually one of the best times to move your career forward.

Hiring doesn't stop in December. Networking doesn't pause. In fact, this slower season creates unique opportunities — fewer applicants competing for roles, more authentic conversations, and decision-makers who actually have time to connect.

This week, we're talking about how to use the holiday slowdown strategically — without burning yourself out or sacrificing rest.

🎯 End-of-Year Reflection: The 3 Questions That Matter

Before the calendar flips, take 20 minutes with a journal (or your Notes app) and reflect:

1. What am I most proud of from 2025?
(Even if it feels small — progress is progress.)

2. What drained my energy this year that I want to leave behind?
(Toxic jobs, limiting beliefs, people-pleasing patterns, comparing yourself to others.)

3. What do I want to feel more of in 2026?
(Confidence? Clarity? Connection? Peace? Name it.)

These three questions will tell you everything you need to know about where to focus your energy in the new year.

✨ Why December Is Actually Prime Time for Job Seekers

Here's what most people don't realize about the holidays:

Fewer applicants = Less competition.
Most people assume hiring freezes during the holidays. They don't. Budgets get approved, roles open up for January starts, and companies are still looking — but fewer people are applying.

Decision-makers are more relaxed.
People are in a reflective, generous mood. They're more open to coffee chats, LinkedIn messages, and genuine conversations. Use this.

January roles are posted now.
Companies planning to hire in early 2026 are posting roles and reviewing candidates right now. If you wait until January, you're behind.

Action Step: Spend 30 minutes this week applying to 2-3 roles or reaching out to 2-3 people in your target companies. Even small moves during the slowdown can create momentum for January.

🎁 Last Chance: Lock in Your Together+Her Membership Before Prices Go Up

If you've been thinking about joining Together+Her — our coaching community for women navigating career transitions, identity shifts, and life changes — now is the time.

Starting January 1, 2026, new memberships will be $47/month.

But if you join before the new year, you can lock in the current rate of $39.99/month for as long as you stay a member.

Inside Together+Her, you'll get:

--> Bi-weekly live coaching circles

--> Thoughtful prompts and challenges to keep you growing

--> A community of ambitious, supportive women

--> Career tools, resources, and real-world strategy

This is the space where you stop figuring it out alone — and start rising alongside women who truly get it.

🔗 Join Together+Her Here
🎟️ Use code STUDENT-ZOE or STUDENT-TRICIA for a $20/month student membership

🧠 2026 Intention-Setting Exercise: Your One Word

Instead of a long list of resolutions, try this: choose one word to guide your year.

Not a goal. Not a to-do list. Just one word that captures the energy you want to embody in 2026.

Examples:

Brave — for taking risks and speaking up

Aligned — for making decisions that match your values

Clear — for cutting through the noise and trusting yourself

Grounded — for staying steady through uncertainty

Once you choose your word, write it down. Put it on your mirror, your phone background, your desk. Let it be your North Star when decisions feel overwhelming.

What's your word for 2026?

📣 PSA: The DISC Assessment Is Still Available

Want to start 2026 with clarity about who you are and how you work best? Our DISC Assessment + 1:1 Coaching Session with Tricia ($250) is still available as a 2026 intro offer.

This is the perfect gift to yourself (or someone you care about) as you step into a new year.

🔗 Book Your Session Here

💫 Remember

The holiday slowdown isn't a reason to pause your career goals — it's your competitive edge.

While everyone else is waiting for January, you can be the one who showed up, made connections, and positioned yourself for the opportunities that open in the new year.

You don't have to have it all figured out by January 1st. You just have to be willing to take small, strategic steps now.

Here's to closing out 2025 with intention and stepping into 2026 ahead of the game.

We're so glad you're here.

🩷 Tricia & Zoe