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

Виктор Сизов • 16.01.2026, 09:04 • Economy

The winter period is traditionally considered calm for the labor market. However, with the start of the year, many job seekers begin to think about changing their place of work. The platform headhunter.kg conducted a survey among more than 450 respondents in Kyrgyzstan to find out the reasons for this phenomenon: is it a result of emotional state after a busy year, fatigue, or a conscious decision to take the next career step? Here’s what we found out.

Factors Contributing to the Desire to Change Jobs in Winter

The season does not influence - 43%.
The beginning of the year inspires something new - 29%.
Results of the past year: "I deserve more" - 29%.
Financial difficulties after the holidays - 14%.
Fatigue from the past year and lack of rest after the holidays - 11%.
Short daylight hours reduce energy and motivation - 11%.
Other - 5%.

Conclusion. For 43% of respondents, the season is not a factor influencing the decision to change jobs. About a third of respondents (29% each) associate their thoughts about changing jobs with the symbolism of the New Year and a re-evaluation of their achievements, while 14% point to the financial consequences of the holiday season.

When Does the Desire to Change Jobs Most Often Arise?

When planning goals for the year and realizing the need for change in career - 47%.
After communication with management or in a conflict situation - 27%.
Inspired by the successes of others or news about job changes - 16%.
Not thinking about it yet - 15%.
At the end of the workday, when I have no strength left - 9%.
After the New Year holidays and returning to work - 5%.
Other - 4%.

Conclusion. Almost half of the respondents (47%) associate the thought of changing jobs with re-evaluating their goals. 27% come to this after difficult communication with management, while 16% react to the successes of others.

What Will Be the Signal to Take Action Instead of Just Thinking?

If I find suitable vacancies and conditions - 52%.
If there is a clear goal and plan: where and why - 32%.
When I reach a point where I can no longer tolerate - 27%.
If I understand my market value (salary, demand) - 25%.
I do not plan to change jobs in the coming months - 9%.
Other - 1%.

Conclusion. The main incentive for moving to active actions is the presence of suitable vacancies, noted by 52% of respondents. A clear plan (32%) and reaching the limit of patience (27%) are also important.

Is This More Emotion or Calculation?

More likely calculation: I understand the reasons and see the next step - 40%.
I combine emotions and calculation - 37%.
This is a reaction to a specific event or situation - 21%.
More likely emotion: it has accumulated, I want to change everything suddenly - 15%.
Just a "background" thought - 7%.
Still undecided - 5%.

Conclusion. Most respondents perceive the intention to change jobs as a conscious decision: 40% consider it a rational step, while 37% associate it with a combination of emotions and analysis.

How Do Job Seekers Act in the Winter Period?

I respond selectively, not in a hurry - 46%.
I just browse, studying the market - 23%.
I save interesting vacancies but do not respond - 17%.
I actively respond and go for interviews - 15%.
I study the requirements and understand that "it's too early" - 12%.
I do not engage in job searching at all in winter - 8%.

Conclusion. Almost half of job seekers (46%) adhere to a moderately active strategy, responding selectively. One in four (23%) simply observes the market, while 8% completely drop out of the job search process.

Overall Conclusion

The survey results show that thoughts about changing jobs in the winter period are most often based not on seasonal factors, but on a re-evaluation of goals and expectations. For most job seekers, this is not a spontaneous decision, but a conscious approach, in which understanding the market, the availability of vacancies, and readiness for the next step play an important role. Even in the "quiet" season, the labor market remains in the spotlight for job seekers, and the beginning of the year becomes a moment for internal analysis and planning.