Post written by Jane Hunt, former inaugural CEO at Fitted for Work.

I am sure like me, you are usually too busy at this time of year to do much reflection on the year that has past. I seem to have more commitments than ever, and the last few weeks have flown. Recently, I had a 7 hour aeroplane flight to Singapore and I was idly looking at my notebook when the page opened on my New Year’s resolutions for 2012.

My resolutions focused on the things that are important to me – family, friends, my health and work.

I realised how central work was to my New Year’s resolutions. I love my work and it is such an important part of my life. It gives me a sense of purpose and I feel proud of what we achieve at Fitted for Work. Importantly, it is also the mechanism by which I can achieve my other New Year’s resolutions. For example, my resolution to help my son gain confidence through playing team sport can be achieved because I can afford to pay for the uniform, the club fees and the petrol to drive him to the games.

At this time of the year, we ask women who are participating in our personal outfitting, interview preparation, transition to work and mentoring programs what are their New Year’s resolutions for 2013. Dee is one of the women who shared hers with us:

“Having worked for a good 28 years and now facing the unemployment line, maybe 2013 can be a year of YES for us. YES to being able to pay for grade 6 camp. YES to being on top of daily bills. YES to being able to spoil myself for a change. YES to getting a job. YES to replace NO. But, most of all maybe 2013 can be a year where we can put a smile back on our children’s faces for a change. Hopefully 2013 is my year of all my wishes coming true.”

There are many more responses that are just as compelling as Dee’s. We have been posting them throughout December on our facebook page as reminder to us all of the hopes and goals for a new year that we all share.

Fitted for Work assists many women like Dee. Today, 75% of the women we help, secure work within 3 months. Please say YES to making a donation to our Hope for the New Year Appeal so that we can help many more courageous women like Dee step out of disadvantage and into sustainable employment next year.

I wish you, your family and friends a happy and safe festive season – and YES may your 2013 resolutions be realised!