2 answers
Rishi
Student
Morrisville, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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As a college graduate, how do you find the right balance between choosing a job that matches your passion and maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
I just graduated from NC State and am pursuing a Bioinformatics Master's Degree at UNC Charlotte. Once I finish school in 2 years, I will be in the job market and want to know how to find that "perfect" job.
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2 answers
Brenna Smedley
Talent Acquisition/Recruiting
6
Answers
Farmington, Utah
Updated
Brenna’s Answer
Great question because this is so hard sometimes! First off, I would let go of the idea that your first job will be perfect. If it is, you've probably set your sights too low and you may feel differently after a year or so. I suggest choosing your top 3-5 criteria for a job and trying to find something that meets all or most of those things. For example, my first job should: 1) pay at least X, 2) include XYZ benefits, and 3) offer upward mobility so I know I can gain more skills and advance in my career without having to change companies. Secondly, not every job may match your passion or provide strong work-life balance. You may decide to accept a job because it will help you advance in your career and give you the necessary experience for your future dream job. The important thing is to be aware of what purpose the job is serving within your long-term goals and don't stay in something forever that isn't exciting, challenging, or serving a greater purpose. Expect to change jobs/companies a few times throughout your career and take the pressure off of finding the exact right fit coming out of your masters.
Work-life balance will ebb and flow. For most professionals, the first 3-5 years of their career are not very balanced and most of your time is dedicated to work. Take ALL of your PTO and build in breaks before you get burned out. Boundaries are important, but so is a sense of urgency, responsiveness, and an ability to prioritize. That may mean you have to start early/work late some days, work some weekends, and take on additional projects or responsibilities, but it doesn't mean you give up hobbies, vacation, and your entire personal life to do so. For me, it wasn't realistic to take long vacations, but I could take more frequent long weekends or shorter vacations so I did that instead. Block your calendar and talk to your future boss and team about what is expected and needed to succeed. Seek constant feedback on this so you're not making assumptions. And again, take all of your pto; it's there for a reason.
Work-life balance will ebb and flow. For most professionals, the first 3-5 years of their career are not very balanced and most of your time is dedicated to work. Take ALL of your PTO and build in breaks before you get burned out. Boundaries are important, but so is a sense of urgency, responsiveness, and an ability to prioritize. That may mean you have to start early/work late some days, work some weekends, and take on additional projects or responsibilities, but it doesn't mean you give up hobbies, vacation, and your entire personal life to do so. For me, it wasn't realistic to take long vacations, but I could take more frequent long weekends or shorter vacations so I did that instead. Block your calendar and talk to your future boss and team about what is expected and needed to succeed. Seek constant feedback on this so you're not making assumptions. And again, take all of your pto; it's there for a reason.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
179
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Rishi,
I believe one of the key things is setting good boundaries. making sure that you take time to yourself. so that once your work day is over you have time to do things you enjoy like going to the gym or for walks and other things. Keeping firm on those healthy boundaries will make the difference over time in how satisfied you are in your personal life and on the Job.
I believe one of the key things is setting good boundaries. making sure that you take time to yourself. so that once your work day is over you have time to do things you enjoy like going to the gym or for walks and other things. Keeping firm on those healthy boundaries will make the difference over time in how satisfied you are in your personal life and on the Job.