Have We All Quietly Given Up Early?

By John Caldwell

"Thank God That’s Over."

I’ve heard that line more times this year than I care to admit. Across recruitment, retail, hospitality, construction and health, every sector the RWR Group touches, people have been exhausted, fed up and ready to call it quits by October. Some of you have said it. Some of our clients have too. And yes, I’ve muttered it under my breath once or twice myself.

And fair enough. This year’s cocktail hasn’t been exactly smooth: talent shortages in pockets, oversupply in others, cost-of-living pressures strangling consumer confidence, retail sales swinging unpredictably, wage growth pressuring employers from every angle, health and hospitality struggling to stabilise teams, construction locked in a constant tug-of-war with supply chains, and recruitment navigating one of the most inconsistent hiring cycles we’ve seen in years. Add in widespread burnout, candidate volatility, and economic uncertainty…it’s been quite a ride.

But here’s the thing.

It’s the 1st week of December.

Why are we talking like the year is over? Why are we mentally clocking off when some of the best opportunities, clients, candidates and deals land right now? December is notorious for two things: people assuming nothing will happen… and the recruiters who know better sweeping in and cleaning up.
So let me ask the uncomfortable but necessary question: have we all quietly given up early?
Because if we have, that’s on us, not the market.

The truth is, we don’t have to be passengers to this year’s chaos. We choose how we finish. We choose whether December is a slow drift to the finish line or a calculated sprint.
This is where discipline beats drama. Interviews are still happening. Candidates are actively seeking roles for a January start before the summer slowdown. Clients still have urgent, last-minute vacancies to fill before the holidays. Business development doesn’t suddenly become illegal in December. Momentum isn’t seasonal. Half the time, all it takes is one smartphone call, one timely follow-up or one “I haven’t forgotten about you” email to transform your entire month.

So, instead of rolling out the “Thank God that’s over” line and switching to holiday mode early, why don’t we take back the steering wheel? Why don’t we decide to finish the year strong, with intention, effort, energy and pride?

Because how we close sets the tone for how we start.

On that note, you’ll hear from me again before the year ends. I’m not going into cruise control. And while I have your attention, a genuine thank you to everyone who has followed my content this year, supported the business, trusted our brands, worked with us, questioned us, challenged us, grown with us and occasionally tolerated my eccentric ideas and sky-high standards…I appreciate it more than you know.

Have a safe and happy holiday season. Rest, recharge and celebrate with the people who matter. And just a heads-up, next year will be bigger, bolder, sharper and, knowing me, probably a little more entertaining.

Let’s finish this year on our terms.