The holidays can bring a lot of pressure. Social obligations, financial stress, family dynamics, and the feeling that you should be doing more. Add in your 40+ hours a week, and boom your stretched thin.
At Westphal Staffing, we feel it’s important to offer a different message: rest is welcomed!
Use these tips to intentionally “work” (pun intended) more rest time into your holidays without falling behind.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause the Job Search
If you’re job searching, the holidays are a naturally slow for hiring. That makes it a perfect time to step back without losing momentum. Set up job alerts, schedule posts or applications in advance, and turn on email notifications so you’re not constantly checking listings.
An out-of-office message can help manage expectations while you unplug. Something as simple as, “I’ll be limited during the holidays but will respond in the new year,” creates space to rest while keeping doors open.
Focus on What You’ve Already Accomplished
Whether you landed interviews, updated your resume, survived a demanding work year, or simply kept showing up—you did more than you may realize. The holidays, especially that week between Christmas and New Years Day, are a perfect time to reflect on wins instead of shortcomings.
Take a moment to write down your accomplishments from the past year, both big and small. Gratitude for your own progress can rebuild confidence and shift your mindset going into the new year.
Stay Connected Without the Pressure
This season is ideal for connection, not cold networking. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or contacts you haven’t spoken to in a while just to check in. No resumes. No asks. Just genuine connection.
Spending time with family and friends can also be grounding, especially if your career feels uncertain. These conversations often remind us that our worth extends far beyond our job titles.
Set Gentle Boundaries at Work
For those currently employed, working in rest may mean setting realistic expectations. Use your PTO if you have it. Log off when you say you will. Avoid overcommitting to year-end deadlines that can wait.
If possible, communicate availability clearly and resist the urge to “prove” your value by being constantly available. Rested employees are more engaged, creative, and productive long-term.
Do Small Things That Refill Your Energy
Rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. It can look like walking outside, reading something non-work-related, cooking a favorite meal, or catching up on sleep. Even small moments of calm can regulate stress and restore focus.
Pay attention to what actually helps you feel better—not what you think should.
Prepare Lightly for the New Year
If it feels supportive, use low-pressure moments to prepare for January. Jot down career goals, update a resume draft, or think about what you want more (or less) of in your next role. Keep it light—this isn’t the season for all-or-nothing productivity.
The holidays are not a race. They’re a reminder that careers are built over time, not in a single season. Resting now can help you show up clearer, steadier, and more confident in the year ahead.
Let us know if you’re looking for a change in 2026. Once you’re all rested up, we’d love to chat about matching you with part-time or full-time roles that fit your needs. We can also provide guidance for resumes, interviews, and applications. Call or text us at (715) 845-5569!