Avoid common career mistakes during the holidays, such as drinking too much at an office party.
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In the midst of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of office parties, celebratory events, and year-end deadlines. But while the holiday spirit boosts morale, it can also be a time when career failures are most likely to occur. Some careless decisions during this period can have long-term effects on your professional trajectory. There’s a saying: “It’s hard to get promoted at a holiday party, but easy to get fired.”
So, to get your new year off to a good start, let’s unravel five common career mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Overindulging at holiday parties
Office holiday parties are a great opportunity to network and bond with colleagues in a more relaxed atmosphere. However, too much holiday cheer (i.e. alcohol) can lead to unprofessional behavior that you’ll regret the next morning, and possibly much longer. According to Alcohol.org, nearly half of workplaces serve alcohol during holiday parties, but only 47% set limits on how much alcohol workers can drink. Additionally, approximately 20% of employees admit to binge drinking at these events (eek).
Why it matters:
Drinking alcohol at work events can damage your professional reputation. According to a study by CareerBuilder, 12% of employees have been reprimanded or fired for inappropriate behavior at a holiday office party. Whether it’s an inappropriate comment, oversharing, or just seeming out of control, these moments can stick in the minds of co-workers and bosses.
Action steps:
Remember, even though it’s a party, you’re still working and always being appreciated. Set a drinking limit for yourself and stick to it. If you are not sure whether you can resist the temptation, choose non-alcoholic drinks. Focus on having meaningful conversations and making a good impression, not being the life of the party.
2. Skip vacation to recharge
At the end of the year, the pressure to finish projects and meet deadlines increases. While it may feel like a badge of honor to finish a run without taking a break, not taking breaks can lead to burnout.
Why it matters:
Burnout is more than just sapping your energy. You can be less productive, less creative, and more irritable. According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of workers suffer from work-related stress, and burnout is a big contributing factor. Starting the new year feeling exhausted and unmotivated won’t set you up for career success.
Action steps:
Take advantage of paid time off, even if it’s only for a few days. Block out time away from work to indulge in hobbies or spend time with loved ones. A well-rested mind is ready to tackle new challenges.
3. Being too casual with clients and managers
During the holidays, the lines between professional and personal interactions often blur, especially when exchanging gifts, cards, and invitations. A thoughtful attitude will strengthen your relationship, but being too casual can backfire.
Why it matters:
Sending overly personal holiday cards, gifts with inside jokes, or overly casual messages can come across as unprofessional. In some cases, this may cause discomfort to clients and managers.
Action steps:
Keep your holiday greetings neutral and professional. A simple email wishing them a happy holiday season, followed by a quick note saying you’re looking forward to collaborating in the future, is the perfect balance.
4. Inappropriate posts on social media
Social media may feel like a casual way to share your personal life, but what you post while on vacation can affect your work. Pictures of boozy gatherings or complaints about being scared to go back to work may seem harmless in the moment, but they can damage your image.
Why it matters:
Many employers and colleagues monitor social media directly or indirectly. CareerBuilder research reveals 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates and 54% make decisions not to hire based on social media profiles It has become. Questionable posts can call into question your judgment and commitment to professionalism.
Action steps:
Before posting, ask yourself, “Would it be okay for my boss or customer to see this?” If the answer is no, please don’t post. To avoid mistakes, consider tightening your privacy settings or taking a break from social media.
5. I can’t make plans for the new year.
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to put strategic planning for your career on the back burner. But heading into January without a clear vision or goal can leave you feeling directionless.
Why it matters:
Lack of preparation can stall your momentum and make it difficult to take advantage of new opportunities and tackle challenges. Being intentional about goal-setting and networking during key times like the holidays will help you when it comes time to negotiate for a promotion.
Action steps:
Take some time to reflect on your accomplishments and set clear goals for the coming year. Whether you’re looking to get a promotion, learn a new skill, or expand your network, a roadmap can help you stay focused and motivated. And always let your boss know about any extracurricular activities you do to improve yourself.
How to stay healthy during the holiday season
To avoid these pitfalls and succeed, try the following strategies.
Always be present and act strategically: Intentionally take advantage of holiday downtime for your network. Attend events with the goal of deepening relationships and planting seeds for future opportunities.
Focus on self-care: Treat the holidays as a time to recharge. Read a book to improve your career, journal about your aspirations, or just relax and regain your energy and clarity.
Navigating the holidays with mindfulness and professionalism will set you up for a stronger and more successful start to the new year.
