Letting Go, Locking In: Fall Reflections for the Future of I-O

And just like that…summer 2025 is a wrap.

Already, social media is abuzz with the “Great Lock-In” trend. The premise, like most Q4 trends, is simple: Instead of waiting for the January “new year, new me” trope, why not “lock in” from September 1st to December 31st and go all in on your goals now? Are you joining the trend or “locking out”?

At a time when hustle culture is still whispering that we must optimize every single minute of our day, what if the real answer isn’t to do more but to simply be more present? What if the key has always been to subtract rather than stack? To slow down rather than speed up?

As an island girl, fall and winter were never my favorite seasons. But over the years, as I’ve moved through my own personal seasons both on a personal and professional level, I’ve grown to appreciate the transformation and lessons these months bring. Fall, in particular, has taught me that there’s strength in shedding. Whether it’s letting go of old roles, rigid norms, outdated systems, or relationships that no longer serve us, fall reminds that we can create space for what’s next. Much like the trees that prepare for the cold by releasing their leaves, we too prepare for the harder seasons or what’s ahead by letting go of what we no longer need.

Organically, the articles in this fall issue of TIP mirror this theme, inviting us to reflect on the shifts happening in our field, our careers, and ourselves. In a time when rapid change is the only constant, these pieces ask us to rethink what it means to belong, to be seen, and to succeed as I-O psychologists navigating this evolving world. From navigating intergenerational collaboration and demystifying change management to revisiting the skills that truly matter in the era of AI, this edition reflects the moment we’re in in shaping what’s next both ethically and strategically.

Here is what’s up in your fall line-up:

1. AI-Tumn (See what I did there?): AI, Ethics & Implementation
   It’s no surprise that several articles explore AI. From ethical dilemmas to practical implementation strategies, these articles invite us to pause and ask: What kind of I-O psychologist do you want to be in the next season of your career? With AI use nearly doubling in just 2 years, the call is clear: We must not only think of what the possible use cases of AI are in our field but also how we use AI responsibly. With a bold call from President Tannenbaum to center ethics in how we implement generative AI, along with findings from our membership AI survey, we are urged to lean into the nuance, caution, and opportunity that AI presents for both researchers and practitioners. This pairs nicely with a practical implementation guide for anyone thinking about responsible innovation with generative AI.
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2. Turning Over New Leaves: Career Pathways and Transitions

As the year winds down, many of us find ourselves reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re going. From decoding transferable skills to navigating career resilience, we’re demystifying the SIOP Fellowship process for practitioners and bridging the gap between science and practice by offering key takeaways from academia–industry collaborations. So, whether you’re eyeing a fellowship, an industry pivot, or just feeling stuck, this might be your sign to “lock in” and take that leap.

3. Preparing With Purpose

Fall is the season of preparation where we harvest what we have learned and ready ourselves (cue in winter is coming, for my Game of Thrones fans). The recent Netflix documentary on Hurricane Katrina invites us to view change management not as reactive but as an opportunity to cultivate resilience and intentional growth. In a preview of SIOP 2026, our SIOP Program and Conference Chairs explore how the future of our field is being envisioned today through ethical foresight, innovation, and inclusive leadership. And in a fun, fall-forward twist, our staple Max Classroom Capacity Halloween special takes us into the haunted halls of academia to ask, What happens when capacity is maxed out? As spooky as it may seem, even that piece reminds us that preparation is everything.

4. Thanksgiving and Gathering the Harvest

Fall is a time to give thanks and bring people together at the table. We take a moment to honor and thank those who serve. With Veterans Month on the horizon, we’re proud to feature an article highlighting military veterans and the I-O strategies that support their transition and well-being in the civilian workforce. We also unpack the deeper layers of workplace trends like “quiet quitting” and “antiwork,” reminding us that inclusion means understanding both context and complexity. With five generations coexisting in the workplace, this issue explores how we can build inclusive structures for all, especially as hybrid work continues to shift how we relate, communicate, and lead.

One More Thing Before I Go…

Check out our Editorial Board section to meet the incredible new minds helping shape TIP’s future. You’re going to love what’s ahead. Also in the spirit of ushering in a new season and embracing what’s next, TIP is introducing a regular book review series that will spotlight ideas that push the boundaries of our field. In this issue, Steven T. Hunt explores what it means to skill up in an AI-driven world with a review of The Skill Code by Matt Beane. To learn more about Dr. Hunt, head on over to review his bio.

And because this editorial is already long enough (I know, I know), I’ll leave you with two things I’m shedding this season:

Overthinking the next move
Fall reminds me that change is gradual. I don’t need all the answers now, I just need the courage to take the next right step.

Carrying what’s no longer mine
Roles, responsibilities, expectations—if it’s weighing me down, it’s not coming with me into winter.

Until next time, happy fall, y’all, and I’ll catch you in the next issue.