1. When the Leaves Fall, Many Start Thinking About a New Beginning
Every year around this time, I notice the same pattern. As the days grow shorter, the afternoons greyer, and summer fades away, many people begin to question their professional path.
In my work as an executive search consultant, I see it immediately: my website suddenly receives far more inquiries, unsolicited applications, and CVs than usual. Candidates who didn’t respond weeks ago now write back. The rate of replies to my LinkedIn messages is twice as high as in August.
2. Why Autumn Sparks Change
I believe this season naturally invites reflection. As nature slows down, so do we - and we start taking stock:
How has this year been? Am I satisfied with what I do? Am I still in the right place, or is it time for something new?
It’s not the turn of the year that triggers this reflection - it’s autumn itself. It reminds us that change is part of life and that letting go creates space for new beginnings.
3. Why I’m Not a Fan of New Year’s Resolutions
I’ve never been a fan of tying change to a specific date. Those who wait for New Year’s Eve to make a resolution often stay stuck in intention. Real change doesn’t start on January 1st - it begins the day you’re honest with yourself.
I believe we should ask ourselves continuously:
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Am I still on the right professional path?
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Does what I do make sense?
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Can I use and develop my strengths here?
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Do my values align with those of the organization?
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Do I enjoy the people I work with?
Not everything will always be perfect - but asking these questions regularly reveals whether the job still fits.
4. Risk and Opportunity at Once
For companies, this time of year is doubly important: on one hand, the risk of losing good people increases, as many begin considering alternatives. On the other hand, it’s the perfect moment to attract new talent.
Organizations searching for leaders or skilled professionals should seize this season - the willingness to change has rarely been as high as it is now.
5. My Recommandation
Perhaps autumn is also the right time for you to pause and reflect - not to question everything, but to check what still holds true.
Because sometimes the changing of seasons reminds us that standing still isn’t a sign of stability - it’s a missed opportunity for growth.
