NEW YEAR CAREER CHECK IN
Happy New Year! Time for a Career Check-In
Letâs Talk 2025 Career Goals
Forget resolutions—theyâre often fleeting. Instead, letâs focus on actionable strategies to level up your career this year.
1. Learn from Others
Invest in âstudyingâ other people's journey. Read biographies, listen to podcasts, and dive into othersâ successes and failures. Itâs an invaluable way to fast-track your growth and avoid unnecessary missteps. Reach out and ask people about their careers, how they got started why they succeeded etc (See Networking below)
2. Reframe Failure
After 25 years of talking to people about their careers, weâve learned that fear of failure is a common hurdle. Donât aim to avoid failure—instead, embrace it. Failing might sting, but itâs far better than never trying. Itâs how you learn you can survive and thrive. Fear of failure is a terrible navigation tool.
3. Network Like a Pro
Your network is your most powerful career tool. Itâs not just about job leads; itâs about connections like, âHey, I applied to XXXX—can you introduce me to your contact there?â Networking is simply professional socializing. If it doesnât come naturally, practice—itâs a skill you can develop. In our industry, itâs essential.
4. Find or Be a Mentor
- Need a boost? A mentor can help you avoid pitfalls and accelerate your career.
- Feeling established? Mentoring someone else will reinvigorate your passion and create a win-win dynamic. Even if youâre just a few years in, you have wisdom to share.
5. Reassess Your Path
If things havenât been going well, ask yourself: Does this path still make sense? Donât let a decision made years ago hold you hostage.
6. Test the Waters
Feeling lukewarm about your job? Start interviewing. It might remind you of how good you have it—or give you the push to make a change.
7. Volunteer
Volunteering adds value to your life and career. Itâs an excellent networking opportunity, a way to gain new skills, and a reminder of the impact you can make.
Some ideas:
- Entertainment Industry: WGA, DGA, SAG-AFTRA, Entertainment Community Fund, MPTF, or Manifest Works.
- Local Opportunities: Check out Reading to Kids (cofounded by Brad Hall, EntertainmentCareers.Netâs founder) for a fun micro volunteering experience on a Saturday in LA. Also a great way to meet people in the industry.
- Helping the formerly Incarcerated with professional development: Defy Ventures combines entrepreneurship and professional development—an incredible opportunity to use your skills for good and change the direction of someone's life.
8. Embrace Change
Waiting for things to happen wonât cut it. Make a change—in direction, tactic, or attitude. Do something.
Success rarely comes by chance—itâs earned through consistent effort. Learn something new, teach someone else, and step outside your comfort zone. Growth in one area often fuels growth in others.
9. Find Balance
A career alone canât sustain you. Explore other sources of joy and meaning—friends, family, hobbies, or helping others. When you focus outward, success often finds its way back to you.
10. Start Small, Think Big
Progress doesnât require leaps—just small, consistent steps. Get 1% better each day, and watch those gains compound. If you make 1 meaningful connection per week that is 52 awesome contacts over a year, 10 years in and that is 520 solid contacts. Not aggressive enough for you? Connect with one person a day (Mon - Friday) and that is 260 per year.
Final Thoughts
Finding meaning in your work takes effort, but itâs worth it. You build a career over time, and weâre here to help however we can.
Hereâs to a productive and fulfilling 2025. Go get âem!
P.S. Need inspiration? Check out Atomic Habits—an amazing book to help you start strong and stick to your intentions for the new year.
