Work feeling stale? Try these seven steps for a career refresh

A new year brings new possibilities, and if you’re looking to hit “refresh” on your career, now is the perfect time to take action.

Whether your career goals this year include getting a promotion, learning new skills or finding better work-life balance, here’s a checklist to help you take control and create a map to success.

Each of these steps might seem small, but together, they create a powerful framework for career growth.Credit: Tamara Voninski

1. Do some research

Before making big career moves, take some time to understand your current position in the job market. Ask yourself:

• Is my salary competitive with market rates?
• What other roles and opportunities are out there for someone with my skills and experience?

Even if you’re not planning an immediate job change, staying informed can help you identify trends, gauge your value and ensure you are ready when the right opportunity comes along.

Pick one item from the list to start with today and build momentum from there.

2. Track your accomplishments

An accomplishments tracker is the most underrated item in your career toolkit. It’s a simple yet effective way to boost your confidence and gather the evidence you’ll need when asking for a raise, a promotion, or even applying for a new job.

A simple Word document or Excel spreadsheet will do the trick. Set a weekly reminder to update your tracker with wins big or small. Did you lead a successful project? Meet a challenging deadline? Receive praise from a colleague or client? Write it all down. Over time, you’ll have a comprehensive list of achievements that showcase your value and growth.

3. Learn a new skill

In today’s job market, upskilling isn’t optional – it’s essential. Take a moment to reflect on what skills could make you stand out in your industry. Is there a certification or course that could make you stand out from your peers?

Investing in learning doesn’t just make you more competitive; it keeps your work exciting and opens doors to new opportunities.

Whether it’s mastering a new software, taking a leadership course or diving into a specialised area of expertise, there’s no better time to get started.

4. Schedule a check-in

Your manager can be a powerful ally in your career growth – but they can’t read your mind. Take the initiative to schedule a check-in meeting to discuss your goals for the year ahead.

Use this time to:

• Set clear milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure your progress.
• Share your interest in taking on new challenges, such as leading a team or project.
• Discuss career development opportunities such as promotions or training.

Having an open dialogue ensures you’re both on the same page and helps position you as proactive and ambitious. Regularly revisiting these goals throughout the year can help you stay aligned and adjust as necessary.

5. Build your network

Networking might feel daunting, but it’s one of the most effective ways to grow your career. Set yourself a goal to connect with one or two people in your industry each month. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship and even potential job leads.

Remember, networking isn’t just about what others can do for you – it’s about building meaningful relationships. Focus on how you can offer value, whether that’s sharing industry knowledge, making an introduction or collaborating on a project.

Over time, these relationships can evolve into valuable professional partnerships.

6. Update your CV and LinkedIn

Even if you’re not actively job-hunting, keeping your resumé and LinkedIn profile updated is a smart move. Highlight your recent achievements and make sure your profile reflects your current skills and experiences.

Opportunities often come when you least expect them, and having an updated resumé and professional online presence ensures you’re ready to seize them.

7. Set stronger boundaries

Let’s get one thing straight: burnout is not a badge of honour. Protecting your time and energy is crucial. Decide on some boundaries that you want to enforce this year to support your productivity and wellbeing.

Here are a few ideas:

• Not replying to emails outside of work hours.
• Make it a priority to take a proper lunch break every day.
• Delegate tasks when possible and focus on high-priority work.

Boundaries empower you to perform at your best while maintaining balance. Share your boundaries with colleagues or your manager to ensure mutual understanding and support.

Each of these steps might seem small, but together, they create a powerful framework for career growth. The key is to take consistent, intentional action.

Pick one item from the list to start with today and build momentum from there. With a clear plan and proactive steps, you set yourself up for career success in 2025.

Tea Angelos is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and founder of Smart Women Society.

The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.