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Partnering with SME companies throughout East Anglia, Michelle Denny Recruitment is a recruitment agency which specialises in personalised recruitment consultancy services in Norfolk and Suffolk to help you discover that elusive new member of staff at a budget that suits you.

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With different campaign options to meet your requirements and innovative marketing strategies to captivate worthy candidates, we'll present you with a refreshing, no-fuss approach to recruitment. Whether you need a comprehensive recruitment drive with full support, or a simple campaign to find you candidates to review in-house, we'll work with you as an extension of your team, to understand your business and the people within it. 

Clients

THIS WAY TO HIRE

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We'll introduce you to companies with job opportunities across Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond that share your values and understand your career aspirations so you can feel confident in your job search. With guidance, support, constructive feedback and consistent communication as standard throughout our approach, Michelle Denny Recruitment Consultancy looks beyond your CV to discover what makes you, you!

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With a clear direction, straightforward application process and ongoing recommendations, we’ll provide you with the ultimate match-making service to help you find the right job, in the right company, with the right team. Learn more, view our current vacancies and upload your CV to register for upcoming roles too.

Candidates

THIS WAY TO A NEW JOB

Considering a career change in January? Here’s how to explore it without making rash decisions.

  • Michelle Denny
  • Dec 28, 2025
  • 3 min read

There’s something about January that invites reflection.


The inbox is quieter, the pace softens for a moment, and many people find themselves asking gentle questions about work:


  • Am I happy here?

  • Am I developing?

  • Is this still the right direction for me?


Framed print reading “Be Fearless” resting against furniture in a home office, symbolising confidence when considering career changes.

Those questions are normal. In fact, they’re healthy. Careers grow, shift, plateau, evolve… and occasionally need a new chapter.


But that doesn’t automatically mean handing in your notice or making a dramatic leap. Often, it simply means taking a thoughtful pause and exploring your options in a sensible way.


This guide is for anyone feeling that quiet tug and wondering what to do next.


Why January sparks these thoughts of a career change


January doesn’t create dissatisfaction. It simply shines a light on it.


Over the festive break, many people:

  • step away from day-to-day pressures

  • spend time with family or friends

  • notice how tired they really are

  • compare life now to life they imagined


When normal routines return, the contrast can feel stronger. That doesn’t always equal “wrong job”. Sometimes it just reveals where change, growth or support might be needed.


Is this a wobble… or something deeper?


When those thoughts continue, it may be a sign that you’re considering a career change rather than simply having a seasonal wobble.


A temporary wobble might look like:

  • feeling flat after time off

  • finding motivation slow to return

  • being overwhelmed simply because everything landed at once

  • needing clearer goals or direction


These feelings often ease once rhythms return.


Something deeper might sound like:

  • “I don’t feel valued here.”

  • “I’ve outgrown this role.”

  • “My work no longer aligns with what matters to me.”

  • “The pressure isn’t sustainable anymore.”

  • “I’ve been unhappy for months, not weeks.”


When those thoughts continue, it’s usually worth exploring more carefully.


Before doing anything drastic, get clear on this


Grab a notebook and answer honestly:


  1. What parts of your work energise you?

  2. What consistently drains you?

  3. If you could redesign your job, what would change?

  4. What skills do you want to use more?

  5. What would ‘better’ actually look like in real life?


Clarity takes the emotion out of decisions. It also helps you see whether your current role could evolve, or whether a move truly makes sense.


Sometimes the solution is inside your current job


Before imagining an entirely new career, consider whether something smaller could help:


  • a clearer development plan

  • extra training

  • mentoring or coaching

  • a conversation about responsibilities

  • small flexibility adjustments

  • shadowing another department


Many employers genuinely want to retain good people. If your thoughts are long-standing, a respectful conversation can sometimes open doors you didn’t realise existed.


And sometimes considering a career change really is the right step


A move may be worth exploring when:

  • you’re consistently undervalued or overlooked

  • there’s no progression pathway

  • the culture is unhealthy

  • you dread Mondays most weeks

  • your role conflicts heavily with personal priorities

  • your confidence has slowly eroded


At that point, you’re not being impulsive. You’re paying attention to what life is telling you.


How to explore new opportunities sensibly


A smart approach protects you emotionally and financially.


  1. Audit your skillsWrite down everything you do well, not just your job title.

  2. Update your CV quietlyFocus on outcomes, not tasks.

  3. Research sectors and rolesNotice what repeatedly catches your attention.

  4. Speak to someone neutralA recruiter, mentor or career adviser can give honest perspective without pressure.

  5. Think in timeframes, not panic movesGood moves take planning. That’s perfectly fine.


Fearless doesn’t mean reckless

“Be fearless” doesn’t mean quitting overnight or throwing caution to the wind.


Sometimes fearlessness looks like:

  • admitting something isn’t working

  • asking for help

  • having a brave conversation

  • backing yourself after long consideration

  • believing your wellbeing matters just as much as your job


Quiet courage counts just as much as big leaps.


If you’d value a confidential chat


At MDR, we talk to people every year who are exactly where you might be now: reflective, curious, unsure… but ready to explore.


There’s never any pressure. Sometimes the outcome is staying put with a new perspective. Sometimes it leads to something new. Both are wins.


If you’d like a calm, confidential conversation about your next step, you’re welcome to get in touch.


Here’s to a year where your work supports your life, not the other way round.

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