As we are approaching the halfway point of the year and while summer often invites us to slow down, it’s also an ideal moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Whether you’re thriving, coasting, or questioning your direction, a mid-year career review can help you take intentional control of where you’re headed.
In my coaching practice, I remind my clients often that they are the CEO of their career.
And just like any successful business, a mid-year review is essential to ensure you’re aligned with your goals, values, and long-term vision.
This article will walk you through how to evaluate where you are, determine what’s next, and decide whether it’s time to stay the course or pivot in a bold new direction.
Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Reflect
January tends to come with pressure. December has lots of commitments. But summer…summer brings space.
With lighter schedules and fewer demands, this time of year offers the perfect opportunity to take stock and ask yourself:
- What’s working?
- What’s not?
- Am I fulfilled?
- Am I moving in the right direction?
Career growth doesn’t have to wait until year-end. The mid-year mark offers a powerful checkpoint and a chance to course-correct if needed.
Six Core Areas to Review in Your Career Check-In
When I walk clients through my Own Your Career coaching framework, we begin with self-awareness. Here are the six key areas I recommend evaluating during your mid-year reflection:
1. Career Goals
Are you on track to meet the goals you set earlier this year, or have they shifted?
2. Values Alignment
Do your current responsibilities and work environment align with your core values?
3. Job Satisfaction
Are you feeling energized, fulfilled, and challenged? Or are you feeling stuck and disengaged?
4. Skill Development
Are you growing professionally? Have you developed any new skills?
5. Relationships & Networking
Are you nurturing valuable connections inside and outside your organization?
6. Work-Life Integration
Are your personal and professional priorities balanced, or are you running on empty?
Ten Tips for a Mid-Year Career Review That Actually Moves You Forward
Here are some powerful steps you can take to make your mid-year check-in meaningful:
- Block time in your calendar to reflect, uninterrupted.
- Review your goals from January and reassess their relevance.
- Celebrate your wins big and small. Acknowledgment fuels momentum.
- Pinpoint your energy drains and patterns of burnout.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn to reflect recent achievements.
- Connect with a mentor or coach to gain outside perspective.
- Choose one skill to focus on developing by year-end.
- Reaffirm your values and ask: Am I honoring them in my work?
- Let go of perfectionism progress is what matters.
- Set one clear intention for the next six months.
Your Mid-Year Career Review Checklist
Here is a checklist to guide your self-review:
- I’ve reflected on my career goals and clarified what success means to me
- I’ve identified what’s working and what needs to change
- I’ve reviewed my calendar for energy-draining tasks or patterns
- I’ve checked whether my work aligns with my values
- I’ve evaluated my growth and learning over the past six months
- I’ve acknowledged my accomplishments
- I’ve refreshed my resume or LinkedIn profile
- I’ve spoken with a coach, mentor, or accountability partner
- I’ve set a goal or intention for the next six months
- I’ve given myself permission to pivot if necessary
Final Thought: Reflect, Realign, Recommit
Your career is not set in stone. It is a dynamic journey that evolves with you. Taking time to reflect mid-year gives you the clarity and power to choose your next steps with intention.
If you’re not where you want to be, don’t be discouraged. Clarity is the first step toward change.
If you are thriving? Celebrate that and build on your momentum.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling uncertain, unfulfilled, or simply ready for something more, I’m here to support you.
Through my Own Your Career coaching framework, I help professionals like you get clear on what they want and confidently go after it.
Let’s design your next chapter together.
Schedule your complimentary consultation here.
