Stress and change are often common accompaniments to the festive season and linger on in to the new year.
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Australian Psychological Society chief executive Frances Mirabelli said that while many people enjoy the festive season, others struggle with feelings of loneliness, mental health concerns or other challenges.
“The festive season and start of a new year can be a time of soul searching for many Australians, as they confront issues that come to the surface in their personal or work lives," she said.
"This can feel painful, but it is not uncommon and it is an important reminder that psychologists can provide emotional support and science-backed strategies to those who are struggling to improve their lives.”
Close proximity to family members over Christmas may reopen old wounds, and many new year resolutions revolve around finding a new job, securing more pay or making lifestyle changes that can increase the pressure.
While new year resolutions are fresh, thousands of job hunters jump online looking for their next position or change in career, but there are fewer jobs as employers hold off from advertising vacancies in the belief most people are on holidays.
January is one of the quietest months of the year for job ads, and on the other hand it’s when the highest number of job seekers are applying so competition is much higher for the available jobs.
This adds to stress, but job seekers have been urged to focus on the long term and not be disheartened by missing out on jobs early in the year when competition is at its highest.
Job experts say learning new skills or studies that will benefit your potential new job or career will boost further opportunities.
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