Losing your job at any time is tough.
Losing it right before Christmas can feel brutal.
When everyone else is switching off, celebrating, and talking about “fresh starts,” you’re left sitting with uncertainty, self-doubt, and the heavy question of what now?
If that’s you, please know this first: you are not alone, and this is not a reflection of your worth or capability. At Be Recruitment, we understand. Community services are changing rapidly – funding models shift, restructures happen, and sometimes good people get caught in the crossfire.
Here’s how to gently get yourself moving again – without burning out before February.
1. Why the New Year Is Actually a Great Time to Look for a New Job
It might not feel like it yet, but January and February are some of the strongest months of the year for hiring in community services.
Why?
• New budgets kick in
• Vacant roles finally get approval
• Backfills are urgent after Christmas leave
• Leaders return with clarity and momentum
• Projects that were paused in December restart quickly
Organisations often want to move fast early in the year. They’re refreshed, focused, and keen to stabilise teams.
If you’re worried about “starting again,” try reframing it as:
“I’m entering the market at the exact moment organisations are ready to hire.”
That shift alone can help take some of the emotional weight off.
2. Getting Yourself Mentally Ready – Treat the Job Search Like a Project
When you’re feeling low, motivation doesn’t magically appear. Structure creates momentum.
One of the most effective (and grounding) things you can do is treat your job search like a project – not a personal judgement on your worth.
Start with a simple spreadsheet:
Nothing fancy. Just practical.
Columns might include:
• Organisation
• Role title
• Who is advertising (internal / recruiter / LinkedIn / Seek)
• Contact person
• Date applied
• CV sent? (yes/no)
• Follow-up date
• Current status
• Notes (interview booked, waiting, not proceeding, etc.)
This does two powerful things:
- It gives you control when everything feels uncertain
- It shows you progress – even on days you feel like nothing is happening
Set small, achievable goals:
• Two applications
• One follow-up email
• One coffee chat request
You don’t need to “fix everything” in a week. You just need to keep the project moving.
And please – be kind to yourself. Motivation often follows action, not the other way around.
3. Re-Engaging Your Network (Yes… Be Prepared to Drink a Lot of Coffee 
)
)January is the perfect time to reconnect.
People are back, calendars are reopening, and many leaders are actively thinking about:
• Team gaps
• New roles
• Restructures
• Future hiring needs
Reach out, even if it feels awkward.
A simple message works:
“Hi [Name], happy new year. I hope you had a good break. I’m starting to explore my next role in community services and would love to catch up for a coffee if you’re open to it.”
That’s it. No long explanations. No apologies.
And yes, you will drink a lot of coffee.
Some conversations will lead nowhere. Some will lead to unexpected opportunities. Others will simply remind you that people value you and your experience.
Every conversation counts, even when it doesn’t immediately turn into a job.
A Final Thought
If you’re feeling flat, discouraged, or questioning yourself – that’s human.
But please don’t confuse a tough ending with a lack of future.
Community services need experienced, values-driven people now more than ever.
Start small. Stay structured. Lean on your network.
And trust that momentum will build – one step, one spreadsheet row, one coffee at a time.
You’ve got this 
If you would like to have a confidential discussion with one of the team, plese reach out to [email protected]
