Post-Holiday Motivation: Practical Steps to Kickstart Your Career in 2025

The start of a new year often brings a fresh sense of hope and motivation. For many Australians, it’s a time to reassess goals and take steps toward fulfilling work. But for those facing barriers like long-term unemployment, health challenges, or limited skills, the journey to meaningful employment can feel daunting.

The numbers tell a striking story: only 56% of people with disability aged 15–64 are employed, compared to 82% of those without disability, and 93% of unemployed people with disability report difficulties finding a suitable job. Additionally, nearly one in four long-term unemployed individuals face hurdles such as health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or age discrimination, while many Workforce Australia participants grapple with financial hardship or a lack of recent work experience.

Despite these challenges, organisations like AimBig Employment are offering hope by providing free, personalised support to help jobseekers overcome obstacles and thrive in the workplace.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to find meaningful work,” says Greg Luck, CEO of AimBig Employment. “The journey may look different for each person, but with the right guidance and support, it’s possible to build a fulfilling career.”

Whether navigating disability, mental health challenges, or other personal barriers, AimBig Employment works with a diverse range of jobseekers to help them identify strengths, develop skills, and connect with opportunities.

Here are practical steps jobseekers can take in 2025, guided by expert advice from AimBig:

  1. Start with Small Steps and Build Momentum
    The job search can feel overwhelming, especially after a period away from work or with limited experience. AimBig advises breaking down the process into small, manageable actions that build confidence and keep things moving forward. “Even small actions—like updating your resume, practising interview skills, or setting weekly goals—create a sense of momentum,” says Ross Rosenblum, a job coach at AimBig. “Each step adds up, and small wins can create a positive shift in mindset that keeps jobseekers going.”
  2. Recognise Your Strengths and Progress
    Jobseekers often struggle with self-doubt, particularly if they’ve faced barriers or rejections in the past. AimBig coaches work with individuals to identify and build on their unique skills, turning these into strengths in the job market. “We encourage our clients to focus on their personal strengths and progress, without comparing themselves to others,” Ross says. “Every person has something valuable to offer, and our role is to help them recognise that.”
  3. Focus on What You Can Do Today
    Rather than dwelling on factors outside their control, jobseekers are encouraged to set their sights on achievable actions within their reach. “When people focus on what they can do now, it puts them in a proactive mindset,” says Luck. AimBig’s free services include guidance on practical actions, such as connecting jobseekers with upskilling courses, identifying accessible career paths, and developing key skills for the workplace. Each step taken helps reinforce the sense of ownership jobseekers feel over their own progress.
  4. Start with a Strong Support System
    Having the right support system is essential, especially when beginning a job search journey. AimBig Employment offers free, end-to-end assistance, guiding individuals through every stage—from resume writing and interview coaching to helping secure workplace adjustments or connecting clients with tailored training opportunities. If AimBig’s services don’t fit a client’s specific needs, they help connect jobseekers to other resources and organisations. “Our goal is to be that guiding hand, pointing people in the right direction and making sure they feel supported every step of the way,” says Luck.

Building Employer Relationships to Open Doors

Alongside its work with jobseekers, AimBig partners with employers to foster inclusive hiring practices and create more accessible workplaces. Through consultations and support, they educate employers on the benefits of hiring diverse candidates, from increased team diversity to gaining employees with unique skills and perspectives.

“Our partnerships with employers are vital in helping them see the real value people from all backgrounds bring to their workforce,” Luck explains. “This collaboration makes the workplace more inclusive and leads to sustainable job opportunities for our clients.”

By partnering with organisations across various sectors, AimBig is helping to create a more inclusive job market where all jobseekers, including those facing barriers, have access to meaningful, long-term roles.

As Australians step into 2025, organisations like AimBig Employment are here to support, guide, and empower them. With a focus on individual strengths, practical steps, and genuine employer partnerships, AimBig is opening doors and helping people thrive in the workforce.

For more information on AimBig Employment’s free services and career support, visit www.aimbig.com.au.

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