The new year is an exciting time to reflect on personal and professional growth, and with each new year, many professionals set their sights on goals they want to achieve. While the start of the year is often filled with motivation and determination, it can be difficult to stick to one’s resolutions for the long haul. Studies show that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the beginning of February due to a lack of actionable steps. Despite the challenges, by setting achievable goals, and taking strategic steps towards reaching them and with dedication and focus, it is possible to achieve desired objectives.

To gain a better understanding of these professional aspirations, we polled our community for their insights.

What is your professional goal for 2023? (single answer)

• Find a new job 58%
• Develop a new skill set 25%
• Get promoted 12%
• Take a course / obtain a certification or degree 5%

The majority of participants, 58%, identified their goal as finding a new job. This was no surprise to us. In our work, we still see a “not so cooled down” job market despite uncertainties. Despite the looming recession, the job market is still doing well in certain sectors and industries. There are plenty of employment opportunities available for those who are willing to look and be proactive in their search. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent report, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 223,000 in December 2022, and the unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent. In 2022, the U.S. economy added 4.5 million new jobs, an average monthly increase of 375,000. On the other hand, companies across industries continue to lay off thousands of employees and announce hiring freezes. In just the high-tech industry, over 152,000 employees were laid off in 2022 and 16,000 in the 1st week of 2023.

Unfortunate layoffs are one reason behind the goal of a new job and one other reason behind this desire is job dissatisfaction. Gallup’s recent report found that workers are experiencing staggering rates of both disengagement and unhappiness. Over 60% of people reported being emotionally detached at work, 50% reported feeling stressed at their jobs on a daily basis, 41% as being worried, 22% as sad, and 19% as being miserable. This is a whole other topic to discuss and identify the reasons behind this dissatisfaction. However, it is one of the key reasons professionals are looking for a new role.

A job search can be a tough and lengthy process whether professionals are affected by layoffs or unhappy at work. However, with a well-defined plan, it is possible to land on a desired role. Individuals should start by researching potential employers and positions that match their skill set and career interests. They should also take advantage of networking opportunities to connect with leaders in their industries and target companies. Additionally, they should be sure to stay up to date on industry trends and advancements in order to remain competitive in the job market.

The second most voted goal is developing a new skill set. 25% of respondents stated they wanted to develop a new skill set in 2023. To do this, individuals should focus on honing existing skills and learning new ones through courses, mentorship programs, or books. Additionally, they can join professional organizations, attend conferences and workshops, or volunteer for projects to gain experience in their desired area. Many years ago, obtaining certifications or degrees would be the main path to obtaining a new skill set, however, in this digital age, there are many other ways to learn new concepts and develop new skill sets. Employers can also support this goal by offering training and development opportunities, as well as encouraging employees to seek out new challenges and experiences within the company. By investing in the skill development of their staff, employers can create a more diverse and adaptable workforce.

Only 12% of respondents stated they wanted to get promoted in 2023. To reach this goal, employees should strive to make meaningful contributions to their organization. They can do this by taking initiative on projects and engaging in constructive conversations with colleagues and supervisors. Moreover, they should ask for feedback on their work and stay up to date on relevant industry trends. On the other hand, employers can consider offering career advancement opportunities and promotions to retain top talent.

Despite the current economic situation, we hope individuals can find ways to be optimistic about their career prospects and are motivated to take on new challenges. Meeting goals requires determination, dedication and focus. With the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to reach one’s desired objectives. The new year brings a clean slate and the opportunity for a fresh start. We hope everyone meets their goals in 2023.

What are your goals for 2023? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below!