Shaping 2025: Embracing Change and Building Career Resilience
By Deborah Wilson
The New Year presents us with a blank slate and opportunities for change as long as we are open to learning and growing. Our world is rapidly evolving, and closer to home, our new Queensland Government is settling in. A changeover in government always creates uncertainty for public sector staff as we don’t know what the new landscape may mean for specific roles. It also creates opportunities, however sometimes we can’t see them.
Focusing on what we can control and allowing everything else to unfold
So many things in life are outside of our control, which means we often overthink and worry, which, although normal, is often a waste of energy. Although it can be easier said than done, our energy is far better spent focusing on what we can control—like building career resilience—and rolling with everything else that may occur. If you focus on what you can control, you’ll be far better equipped to handle any surprises that may surface this year.
Establishing your compass to guide you throughout 2025
Grab a pen and paper (feel free to type if you prefer) and finish this sentence.
I chose to work in the public sector because…
If your page is blank aside from the obvious monetary factors, dig deeper. Being well-paid is important, but we need more to thrive in our careers. However, once you finish the above sentence, consider this your compass throughout the year. You can use this as a guide when making decisions and considering new opportunities you’ll accept and which ones you will decline or opt to negotiate.
3 tips to assist you in building career resilience
- Challenge your comfort zone
While being comfortable in your current role is vital to an extent, we can become too comfortable and reach a point where we are stagnating. This is all well and good until the unexpected occurs, and we find ourselves playing catch up. In 2025, challenge yourself to remain positive regardless of internal and external factors and create learning opportunities if they don’t arise as part of your role. Remember, we learn more when things aren’t going our way, so when you are challenged this year, roll with what’s happening and embrace the learning.
- Update your career toolkit
Preparation is key to capitalising on new opportunities. Identify your career essentials and refresh or update them as needed. When was the last time you looked at your resume and added a new skill or achievement to it? Is your LinkedIn profile current and updated with any new skills, certifications, or accomplishments? I encourage everyone to regularly complete a skills inventory to identify gaps in their skill set. We all have gaps. Once you have identified the gaps, enrol in training and development programs or pursue certifications relevant to your field, attend a conference or join skilled networks. Workplaces are rapidly changing and evolving, so ongoing learning is a non-negotiable.
- Audit your work-life balance
Prevention is key to burnout, which is a common challenge in the public sector. Professionals are often juggling demanding roles with a commitment to serving others. We are all different, and self-awareness is crucial to a long, fulfilling career. Understand your needs. Consider what aspects of your role constantly energise you and which ones drain you. What can you do to facilitate more of what energises you and less of what you find draining?
Become an advocate for what you need in 2025 and beyond. Set boundaries, schedule regular breaks, have a maximum number of daily meetings or block out time in your calendar to catch up on your workload. Many other action items might be on your list. If something isn’t working for you in your current role, talk with whoever you need to and see if you can change it. While such conversations may be difficult, they don’t have to be, and they are essential. If you don’t have the conversation, you can’t feel upset about what you’re experiencing that isn’t optimal for you.
A successful career in the public sector relies on the ability to embrace change and build career resilience. Small, consistent efforts compound over time and can lead to meaningful changes. Set lofty but achievable goals for yourself as you proceed throughout 2025 – your future self will thank you!
About Deborah Wilson
Deborah Wilson is Head of Strategy & Performance at OnTalent. She is a thought leader and career strategist. Deborah takes a personalised approach to strategic career coaching and career transitions, mentoring and leadership development. She provides expert guidance for individuals while supporting organisations through change and connecting people and purpose. Call Deborah on +61 403 779 746.
