Clock In with Emily Durham The January Scaries (+ HUGE LIFE UPDATES & WWED)
Jan 21, 2026
Feeling the January Scaries? This discussion dives into why the start of the year can feel overwhelming, especially in the workplace. Discover tips for easing workplace anxiety and aligning goals with your manager. Plus, hear personal life updates that include big achievements like a Times Square billboard and a new book. The segment on listener dilemmas explores motivation, job satisfaction, and how to navigate complex career situations. If you’re feeling behind or anxious, this conversation is a must-listen!
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January Scaries Explain Bosses' Anxiety
- Many managers arrive in January with amplified anxiety and pressure that gets passed down to employees.
- Emily Durham calls this phenomenon the "January scaries" and says it temporarily explains intense micromanagement.
Carryover Budgets Fuel January Pressure
- Budget delays and slow hiring from previous years create carryover pressure into the new year.
- That residual workload forces managers to demand accelerated deliverables in January, increasing downstream stress.
Create A 2026 Performance Contract
- Ask your boss for the company's job description or skills matrix and map where you currently perform.
- Break year goals into quarterly, monthly, and weekly milestones and get alignment in a follow-up email to create a performance "contract."
