WINTER RESILIENCE: PART 1
Winter in Melbourne can be a challenging season. Shorter days, grey skies, and chilly mornings all have a way of creeping into our routines, affecting our mood, motivation, and sense of progress. In fact, studies show that up to 66% of Australians experience lower energy levels and mood dips during winter. This shift can impact not only how we feel, but how we show up at work, in our job search, and in our personal lives.
At Belkirk, we believe that career performance is closely tied to wellbeing. Research indicates that productivity can decline by as much as 20% during colder months due to fatigue, disengagement, and reduced movement. So, this quarter, we're focused on sharing practical and thoughtful strategies to help you move through winter.
1. Reassess Your Goals
When the year kicks off, it’s easy to feel optimistic about fresh starts and resolutions. But by winter, many of us are knee-deep in the demands of daily life and feeling stuck, stalled, or simply off-course.
Use this seasonal slow-down to do a mid-year check-in:
What goals did you set in January?
Have your priorities changed?
Are you still aligned with the direction you set?
If things have shifted, that’s okay. Winter is a great time to reflect and realign. You might:
Create a shorter-term goal for Q3 that’s more achievable
Break down a bigger goal into smaller weekly actions
Let go of goals that no longer feel relevant
2. Refresh Your Resume and LinkedIn
Even if you're not actively applying for roles, think of your resume and LinkedIn as your digital business card: it should be up-to-date and reflect your growth. Professionals who regularly update their LinkedIn profiles receive 6x more views and 2x more job opportunities. (LinkedIn, 2024).
Ways to refresh your profile this winter:
Add any recent projects, certifications, training, or volunteer work
Highlight measurable achievements
Rewrite your summary to reflect your evolving goals and values
Request a recommendation from a colleague or past client
Example: Completed a short property development course earlier this year? Add it.
3. Schedule Time for Development
Winter brings quieter social calendars making it a perfect season for focused learning. Whether you want to advance your leadership skills, brush up on software, or explore a new area of interest, short bursts of learning now can deliver long-term returns.
Professionals who invest in learning during low-energy periods are 46% more likely to land higher-paying roles in the next hiring cycle. (SEEK, 2023). Dedicate one evening a week to learning and treat it like an appointment.
Practical ways to develop this season:
Sign up for a 4-week online course (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Property Council CPDs)
Start a book on leadership, change, or resilience
Subscribe to one industry podcast (like The Urban Developer, Talking Architecture & Design, or The Property Couch)
4. Stay Connected
It’s tempting to go into hibernation, especially when it’s dark by 5:30pm but visibility and connection are key to maintaining momentum. Staying active in your network ensures you’re top of mind when new opportunities arise.
Schedule a morning coffee or lunch with a colleague or a client
Attend an industry networking breakfast or property event (try UDIA, NAWIC, PCA, or local council forums)
Engage on LinkedIn: post an article, comment on updates, or share your thoughts on an industry trend
Don’t feel like going to that 7:30am breakfast event? Bring a friend or coworker along, accountability helps.
5. Use the Quiet Market to Your Advantage
There’s a perception that hiring slows down in winter, but that’s only part of the story. While application volume drops by about 30% during winter (SEEK), many employers continue hiring, and they often move more quickly to avoid the spring rush.
This creates a quiet market advantage:
Less competition means a stronger chance of standing out
Hiring managers are more decisive as they aim to secure talent ahead of the new financial year push
You have more time o prep, research, and approach roles thoughtfully
6. Work With a Recruiter Who Gets You
Navigating your next career step doesn’t have to be lonely. At Belkirk, we support professionals across property, construction, and corporate services by offering:
Honest advice (even when you're not actively job hunting)
Salary benchmarking and role comparisons
Introductions to employers who align with your values and goals
Final Thoughts
Building winter resilience isn’t about perfection, it’s about staying connected and proactive. Small actions now can lead to big shifts in momentum.
We’ll be sharing more in Part 2 of this blog in August, explore burnout prevention, stress management, and practical ways to protect your mental health.
