Fatigue, Summing Up, and Anticipating Change. Kyrgyz People on Work at the End of the Year

Марина Онегина • 31.12.2025, 10:27 • Society

December is often associated with bright lights, the magic of the holidays, and a moment of slowing down before a new phase. However, behind the New Year's atmosphere lie various feelings, a summation of professional results, and reflections on the future. At the end of the year, it is a time for rethinking: what has been achieved, which expectations were not met, and with what mindset to greet the new working year. A study on the platform headhunter.kg covered over 100 respondents and aimed to explore their perceptions of the year's end, changes in workload ahead of the holidays, and expectations for the new professional year.

Survey participants could choose multiple response options.

What are your feelings at the end of this year?

Mixed feelings, hard to express clearly – 45%.
Calm: the year passed without noticeable ups and downs – 30%.
Rather tired, want to go on holiday sooner – 16%.
With enthusiasm: there is a sense of growth and new opportunities – 14%.
Tired, but happy with the results achieved – 10%.

Conclusion: the majority of respondents (45%) are finishing the year with mixed emotions, not experiencing pronounced positivity or negativity. 30% feel stability, while 26% report fatigue. Only 14% feel inspired, indicating a restrained emotional background at the year's end.

How has your workload changed ahead of the holidays?

Not working – 29%.
Increased slightly, within normal limits – 23%.
Remained at the same level – 20%.
Significantly increased, more deadlines – 17%.
Decreased, the work rhythm has become calmer – 9%.
Work has almost stopped, many tasks postponed until next year – 8%.

Conclusion: for most respondents, the workload remained unchanged (20%) or increased moderately (23%). At the same time, 17% noted a significant increase in deadlines. A third of those surveyed (29%) were not working at the time of the survey, which also affects the overall perception of the year's end.

Do you summarize your professional activities for the year?

Yes, I always analyze results and achievements – 40%.
Sometimes I think about it, but without a clear system – 23%.
Rather not, focused on current tasks – 19%.
No, I don't see the need – 12%.
This year I didn't have time to summarize – 11%.

Conclusion: 40% of respondents consciously summarize the year. However, almost a third (31%) either do not consider it necessary or do not find the time. This indicates that the culture of reflection and planning is present but not universal.

Are you thinking about changing jobs at the end of the year?

Yes, actively looking for a new position – 45%.
I have thoughts, but no specific actions yet – 20%.
Considering it, but planning to start searching next year – 19%.
Currently not working – 17%.
No, I am satisfied with my current position – 9%.
Already changed jobs this year – 5%.

Conclusion: almost 40% of respondents (39%) are finishing the year actively searching for new jobs. Another 39% are considering a change but have not yet made decisions. Only 9% are fully satisfied with their current position, highlighting a high level of professional uncertainty at the year's end.

What are your expectations for the new working year?

I want growth in income and career opportunities – 56%.
Stability and confidence in tomorrow are important to me – 19%.
Looking forward to new interesting projects – 18%.
I hope for a more balanced work rhythm – 17%.
I plan to change my field or position – 14%.
Currently, I have no expectations – 7%.

Conclusion: the main request from job seekers for the upcoming year is growth in income and career opportunities (56%). Almost one in five focuses on stability, while 18% expect interesting projects. The demand for balance and a change in direction is also noticeable, indicating a reevaluation of priorities after a tense year.

Overall Conclusion

The study conducted by headhunter.kg showed that the end of the year for most job seekers is not a conclusion but rather a transitional state. People finished the year with a complex of emotions, fatigue, and active reflections on the future. Almost 45% are looking for new jobs, and more than half associate their expectations for the new year with increased income and career growth. The end of the year becomes a time for honest dialogue with oneself about the current situation and future goals.

The image on the main page is for illustrative purposes: freepik.com.

Overall Conclusion

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