Why January Is the Best Month for Fintech Hiring and Career Moves

The beginning of the year is one of the easiest moments to change your career trajectory and achieve more! Not because of “new year, new me”, but because both people and companies pause, reset their plans and make decisions about what comes next.

January creates a rare overlap between opportunity and readiness, and that’s exactly why it works!

How to act now if you’re considering a job change

Before diving into market dynamics, let’s start with the practical part. Here’s a framework based on insights shared by Anastasia Zencika, Evotym founder & CEO, you can use to catch dream job this January:

1) Define your next level

Not just a new job title, but a direction.

Be specific about role, scope, responsibility, income. Ask yourself honestly where you want to be in 12 months (or even in 3–5 years). January hiring favors candidates who know where they’re going.

2) Choose “next-stage” companies

Look for companies that are scaling, expanding teams, and hiring for growth. Not just replacing people at the beginning of the year.

3) Start with your network

Many strong fintech roles are filled before they ever reach job boards. Talk to people on LinkedIn, ask your former coworkers. A short conversation can open more doors than dozens of cold applications.

4) Do one visible thing this week

No pressure to do everything.

Update your CV headline. Reach out to a few people on LinkedIn. Apply selectively – like choosing a restaurant for a special dinner, not grabbing fast food.

Momentum comes from action, not perfection!

Why companies hire more in January

From a business perspective, January is when uncertainty drops.

Most companies operate on annual budget cycles, which means hiring decisions are often paused in late Q4 and reopen once new budgets and headcount plans are approved. HR Dive research shows that job searches rebound sharply in January as people return from holidays: about 22% higher than in mid-December levels.

At the same time, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers added 143,000 jobs in January 2025. That tells us something important: hiring isn’t frozen. It’s ongoing and often strategic.

This follows a well-known seasonal pattern. Job search activity rises first, then hiring follows. January and February consistently rank among the strongest months for new roles, as companies finalize plans and start executing them.

That’s why January roles are more likely to be:

• newly created, not just replacements
• tied to long-term company goals
• scoped with growth and ownership in mind

Why professionals start moving in January

January is also a turning point for candidates.

By the end of the year, many professionals already know whether their current role still suits them or whether burnout has quietly set in. Q4 often feels like running on autopilot: finish strong for bonuses, close loops for performance reviews, or simply stay for predictability.

After the holidays, January becomes the moment when that internal decision turns into action.

Glassdoor research confirms this behaviour. January is typically the most active month for job searches, as people reassess compensation, growth opportunities, and work-life balance after year-end reviews.

This spike isn’t random and it’s something you can use if you’re thinking about your next step.

January is not about urgency, it’s about leverage

One of the biggest career myths is that you need to rush. You don’t.

January works because you have leverage:

• companies are hiring with clear agendas
• teams are open to change
• managers have budget authority
• thoughtful, proactive candidates stand out more

This isn’t about panic applications. It’s about timing your move wisely!

What this means for your career in 2026

January sets the tone for the whole year. Not because everything changes overnight, but because decisions made now compound faster.

If you’re reflecting on your career in fintech, Web3, payments, or iGaming and feel your current role no longer matches your ambitions or energy, this window matters.

At Evotym, we help professionals move strategically, not loudly. We support talents in exploring opportunities confidentially, connecting with companies that are hiring with intent, and choosing roles that make sense not only on paper, but in real life.

Explore our current opportunities and use January to move with clarity, not pressure.

Sometimes, the smartest career move isn’t rushing – It’s choosing the right moment, and January is one of them.