We are smack-dab in the middle of the holiday season and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of office parties, festive activities, and year-end deadlines. But while the holiday spirit can boost morale, it’s also a prime time for career missteps. A few careless decisions during this time can carry long-term consequences for your professional trajectory. There’s a saying “It’s hard to get a promotion at the holiday party, but it’s easy to get fired.”
So, to ensure you start the new year on the right foot, let’s unpack five common career mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Overindulging at the Holiday Party
Office holiday parties are a great opportunity to network and bond with colleagues in a more relaxed setting. However, too much holiday cheer (read: alcohol) can lead to unprofessional behavior that you’ll regret the next morning—and possibly for much longer. Nearly half of workplaces provide alcohol during holiday parties, but only 47% impose limits on how much workers can drink, according to Alcohol.org. Additionally, about 20% of employees admit to binge drinking at these events (eek).
Why It’s a Problem:
Getting drunk at a work event can damage your professional reputation. A survey by CareerBuilder found that 12% of employees have either been reprimanded or fired for inappropriate behavior at a holiday office party. Whether it’s inappropriate comments, oversharing, or simply appearing out of control, these moments can linger in the minds of colleagues and supervisors.
Action Step:
Remind yourself that even though it’s a party, you are at work and therefore constantly being evaluated. Set a drink limit for yourself—and stick to it. If you’re not sure you can resist the temptation, opt for a non-alcoholic beverage. Focus on meaningful conversations and making a good impression instead of being the life of the party.
2. Skipping Time Off to Recharge
The end of the year often brings mounting pressures to wrap up projects and meet deadlines. While it may feel like a badge of honor to power through without taking a break, skipping rest can lead to burnout.
Why It’s a Problem:
Burnout doesn’t just zap your energy; it can make you less productive, less creative, and more irritable. According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of workers suffer from work-related stress, with burnout being a significant factor. Coming into the new year exhausted and disengaged won’t set the stage for career success.
Action Step:
Use your PTO—even if it’s just a couple of days. Block off time to unplug from work, engage in hobbies, or spend time with loved ones. A well-rested mind is better equipped to tackle new challenges.
3. Being Too Casual with Clients or Managers
The holidays often blur the lines between professional and personal interactions, especially when exchanging gifts, cards, or invitations. While a thoughtful gesture can enhance relationships, being too informal can backfire.
Why It’s a Problem:
Sending overly personal holiday cards, gifts with an inside joke, or overly casual messages can come across as unprofessional. In some cases, it might make clients or managers uncomfortable.
Action Step:
Stick to neutral, professional holiday greetings. A simple email wishing them a happy holiday season, paired with a brief note about looking forward to continued collaboration, strikes the perfect balance.
4. Posting Inappropriately on Social Media
Social media may feel like a casual outlet for sharing your personal life, but what you post during the holidays can have professional ramifications. Pictures of boozy gatherings or complaints about how you’re dreading going back to work might feel harmless in the moment but can damage your image.
Why It’s a Problem:
Many employers and colleagues monitor social media, whether directly or indirectly. A CareerBuilder study highlighted that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, and 54% have decided not to hire someone based on their social media profiles. A questionable post can raise doubts about your judgment or commitment to professionalism.
Action Step:
Before posting, ask yourself, “Would I be comfortable if my boss or clients saw this?” If the answer is no, don’t post it. Consider tightening your privacy settings or taking a temporary social media break to avoid missteps.
5. Failing to Plan for the New Year
Amid the holiday hustle, it’s easy to put off strategic planning for your career. But entering January without a clear vision or goals can leave you feeling directionless.
Why It’s a Problem:
A lack of preparation can stall your momentum, making it harder to capitalize on new opportunities or tackle challenges. Deliberate efforts in goal setting and networking during critical periods like the holiday season can help you when the time comes to negotiate for a promotion.
Action Step:
Dedicate some time to reflect on your accomplishments and set clear goals for the year ahead. Whether it’s pursuing a promotion, acquiring new skills, or expanding your network, having a roadmap will keep you focused and motivated. And, keep your boss in the loop of any extracurricular activities you’re doing to better yourself.
How to Thrive Over the Holidays
To avoid these pitfalls and thrive instead, try these strategies:
Be Present and Strategic: Use holiday downtime to network intentionally. Attend events with the goal of deepening relationships and planting seeds for future opportunities.
Focus on Self-Care: Treat the holiday break as a time to recharge. Read a career-enhancing book, journal about your aspirations, or simply relax to regain energy and clarity.
By navigating the holidays with mindfulness and professionalism, you’ll set yourself up for a stronger, more successful start to the new year.