Ten jurisdictions witnessing an escalation in professional New Year's resolutions
At the start of 2025, many of us ponder about ways to enhance the upcoming year. We consider reducing calorie intake, exercising more, or decreasing activities to achieve a better work-life balance. As the clock strikes twelve and the festive decorations fly, an increasing number of Americans are incorporating career advancement into their New Year's resolutions. Studies indicate that certain states struggle with work-life balance, leading me to wonder about locations where people are more inclined to set professional objectives. A study focusing on the states with the highest number of career-related New Year's resolutions was discovered.
States with the Most Career-Related New Year's Resolutions
Recent findings reveal the top ten states with the highest number of individuals setting professional goals for the upcoming year. Between January and November 2024, The Hook Agency collected data from Google ads, analyzing the average monthly searches per state for career-related New Year’s Resolution (NYR) keywords. Some examples of these keywords include "best jobs 2025," "2025 work goals examples," and "best skills to learn for 2025."
Utilizing this data, Tim Brown, founder and CEO of The Hook Agency, along with his research team, determined the total search volume for each state by summing up the search volumes of every keyword in each state. These findings were then ranked from highest to lowest total search volume. Here are the top ten states where people are prioritizing career-related resolutions for 2025:
- Utah features the most individuals seeking career-related NYRs, with a rate of 29.84 searches per 100,000 people. "Utah's thriving tech sector (nicknamed the ‘Silicon Slopes’) and strong work-life balance culture are likely responsible for its popularity as a hub for career-related New Year's resolutions," Brown explains.
- New York is said to exude career ambition, according to the report, resulting in the 26.21 searches per 100,000 residents, making it the second-place finisher. "The countless networking opportunities and diverse industries, including finance and fashion, make New York a prime location for professionals to set goals to expand their networks and hone their entrepreneurial skills in 2025," Brown suggests.
- Massachusetts encourages resolutions focused on professional growth. Brown classifies this state as third, with 25.42 searches per every 100,000 residents.
- Maryland lands in fourth place, with 24.59 searches per 100,000. "Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C., and its powerful government and defense sectors make it an ideal spot for career-driven goals," Brown acknowledges.
- Virginia, with its mix of government, military, and tech industries, offers a variety of career opportunities, taking the fifth position, with 23.98 searches per 100,000 residents. "As residents aim to improve their leadership skills, offering a unique edge in the tech industry, they may set goals to do so," Brown proposes.
- New Jersey earns sixth place, with 22.28 searches per 100,000 residents.
- California boasts a rate of 22.28 searches per 100,000 inhabitants, placing it seventh in the list of states making the most career New Year's resolutions.
- Rhode Island registers a score of 21.90 searches per 100,000 residents, ranking eighth among the top ten states.
- Vermont records 21.62 searches per 100,000 residents, taking ninth place in the list.
- Hawaii marks the final entry in the top ten states, placing tenth with 21.60 searches per 100,000 citizens.
"The era of merely resolving to cut carbs or hit the gym is gone," Brown declares. "Today, individuals are committed to learning a new skill, finding a better job, or finally asking for that long-overdue promotion."
He further explains how one's location could impact professional objectives. "If you're located in a tech hub like Silicon Valley, perhaps you're considering enrolling in a coding boot camp. If you're living in New York City, attending networking events could be on your agenda," he emphasizes.
In Summary: States with the Most Career-Related New Year's Resolutions
Brown concludes that having clear career objectives makes each workday more meaningful. "You're working towards something that carries significance," he advises. Furthermore, setting professional goals helps maintain motivation during challenging times and fosters personal growth, whether it's learning new skills, assuming additional responsibilities, or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Brown encourages not to neglect passion. "Pursuing goals that ignite your passion will strengthen your connection to your work. Don't be afraid to dream bigger this year," he suggests.
In conclusion, regardless of where you reside, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to think ambitiously, seek inspiration, and prepare to have a career-defining year.
After discovering that Utah has the highest number of individuals setting career-related New Year's resolutions, many people starting questioning what factors contribute to such a high rate. It was found that Utah's thriving tech sector and strong work-life balance culture might be the reasons for its popularity as a hub for career-related New Year's resolutions.
Furthermore, New York, with its countless networking opportunities and diverse industries, ranks second on the list of states with the most career-related New Year's resolutions. This highlighting of states with the most career-related resolutions could inspire people around the country to consider relocating or focusing more efforts on their careers in those areas.
