January - a month of change? Why do people start looking for a new job after the New Year (survey)

Юлия Воробьева • 16.01.2026, 08:07 • Economy

Although winter is traditionally considered a quiet time for the labor market, it is during this period that many job seekers feel the desire to change jobs. The platform headhunter.kg conducted a survey among over 450 participants in Kyrgyzstan to find out the reason behind this desire: whether it is a result of emotional overload after a busy year, fatigue, or a conscious aspiration for new career horizons. Here are the results.

What winter factors influence job change?

Season does not affect - 43%.
With the start of the year, I want something new - 29%.
Results of the previous year: "I can do more" - 29%.
Financial pressure after the holidays - 14%.
Fatigue and lack of sleep - 11%.
Short daylight: less energy - 11%.
Other reasons - 5%.

Conclusion. For 43% of respondents, changing jobs is not related to the season. At the same time, almost a third of respondents (29% each) associate their thoughts with the symbolism of the New Year and a reassessment of personal achievements, while 14% link it to the aftermath of the holidays.

In what state does the desire to change jobs arise?

When I evaluate my goals for the year and realize the need for change - 47%.
After a difficult conversation with management - 27%.
When I see the successes of others - 16%.
At the moment, I have no such thoughts - 15%.
At the end of the day, when I have no strength left - 9%.
After the New Year holidays and returning to work - 5%.
Other options - 4%.

Conclusion. Almost half of the respondents (47%) associate the desire to change jobs with a reassessment of their life goals. 27% came to this thought after a difficult situation with management, while 16% were influenced by the successes of those around them.

What will signal the need for action?

I see suitable vacancies and conditions - 52%.
A clear goal and action plan will appear - 32%.
I will reach a point where I can't stand it anymore - 27%.
I will understand my market value (salary, demand) - 25%.
Probably, I do not plan to change jobs in the coming months - 9%.
Other reasons - 1%.

Conclusion. The main factor for taking action remains the presence of suitable vacancies - this is what 52% of respondents believe. A clear plan (32%) and reaching the limit of patience (27%) are also important.

Is it more emotion or calculation?

More calculation: I understand the reasons and see the next step - 40%.
A mixed feeling: emotions played a role, but the decision is well thought out - 37%.
A reaction to a specific event - 21%.
More emotion: it has built up, I want to change everything - 15%.
Just thinking, but without plans - 7%.
Undecided - 5%.

Conclusion. The majority of respondents view their desire to change jobs as a conscious decision: 40% consider it rational, while 37% see it as a result of a combination of emotions and reflections. A purely emotional decision is noted by 15% of respondents.

How do job seekers look for vacancies in winter?

I respond selectively, not in a hurry - 46%.
I just browse, see what is available in the market - 23%.
I save interesting offers but do not respond - 17%.
I actively respond and go to interviews - 15%.
I read the requirements and understand that "it's too early" - 12%.
I do not look for vacancies in winter - 8%.

Conclusion. Almost half of job seekers (46%) choose a moderately active approach - responding selectively. One in four (23%) is only monitoring the market, while 8% are not participating in the search at all.

Summary

The survey shows that the desire to change jobs in winter is more often related to a reassessment of goals and expectations rather than seasonal factors. For most job seekers, this is not a spontaneous decision but a thoughtful process, where understanding the market situation, the availability of suitable vacancies, and readiness for change play an important role. Even in a "quiet" season, interest in employment does not fade, and the beginning of the year becomes a moment for analysis and planning for the future.