As the year is ending many of my clients find themselves in a holding pattern. Some are in job search mode and wonder if it's worth the effort to apply for work during the holidays. Others, sadly, have been informed they are being laid off and have a few weeks of employment left--and then what?

In all cases, the urge to take a much-deserved break seems appealing. And, maybe that would be the right thing to do. But I have found that small, creative activities are the optimum choice. 

If your career has entered a time of ambivalence or uncertainty, I want to offer you some support. Here are a few ideas:

·        Clarify Your Vision: Determine what you want to achieve or manifest while you are in waiting mode. You could achieve this by journaling or creating a vision board. When you identify tangible desirable outcomes, it will be much easier to get motivated.

·        Reach Out to Your Network: Create a list of ten people you would like to have coffee with (in person or virtually). Enter these meetings with a generous heart and an open mind. Find out what other people in your social or professional circle heave been up to lately. Find ways to help them if you can, and let them know about your goals.

·        Don't Isolate: A range of difficult emotions can accompany an uncertain time. You might be embarrassed to admit you are unemployed or in transition. Depression and anxiety can creep in as you lie awake at 4 a.m. You might be inclined to hide in your room or land in front of the TV--it's tempting but don't do it.

·        Be in the World Five Days a Week: Monday through Friday, plan to get up, exercise, get dressed and go somewhere. How about a class, maybe a professional association event or volunteer. Research as shown that doing something helpful for someone else is the best medicine when your life is up in the air. Give yourself a break on the weekends. This kind of structure will keep you moving forward.

A final note on job hunting during the holidays. It's easy to assume employers will lose focus or delay hiring but the opposite can be true. Decision makers may answer the phone more readily or find time to meet with you while the holiday parties rage on. If your resume is focused, your LinkedIn profile is complete and you follow-up quickly on every solid lead, you can enter the new year with a new career.