Our generation is known for finding meaning and balance in all that we do, both in and out of the workplace. Research has shown that we, Generation Y (those born in-between 1980 and 2000), value fulfillment over financial compensation. We care more about serving a greater economic or social purpose than we do about the size of our paycheck.
Forbes.com reports that, in study done by the Intelligence Group on Generation Y, 64% of Millenials say it’s a priority for them to make the world a better place, and 88% want work-life integration. Work-life integration is the new trending term, and is not the same as work-life balance, because the lines that used to be drawn between work and the home are now incredibly blurry. Career and personal life are more integrated than ever before.
In short, our generation wants to make a difference and to do it all.
We are devout in our philosophies, motivated by our passions, and extremely dedicated to finding personal and professional purpose. We prefer collaborating over competing, and we desire bosses who mentor rather than intimidate.
Being Superwoman ain’t easy. How can we possibly do it all without losing our minds? How can we make it all work?
Seek Renewal
When we are putting so much of ourselves into work, it makes it that much more important to really enjoy, and find fulfillment in, our off-time activities. The more we enjoy the little free time have, the more worthwhile and satisfactory it feels. This will help to renew and replenish you. Make plans to spend quality time with friends and loved ones, doing activities that you truly love. Laugh. Laughing helps to lower stress hormones in your body, and releases endorphins. We all could use more endorphins.
Find Meaning Within Every Task
Know exactly why you are doing what you are doing. You have to believe in the why in order to endure the how when you are feeling drained or over-extended. There will be times when you will feel burnt out, or like you simply cannot do it all anymore. The truth is that you can Ms. Career Girl! You are working this hard for very good reasons, and it is important to remind yourself of them. Remember the why.
Know When to Move On
Everything that you are doing should serve a purpose and help to better you. If it is a second job to help you make your bills or pay off a loan, then it should help you meet your financial goals. If it is a #sidehustle, it should bring you fulfillment in a way that your job can’t. If it is a relationship, it should empower you and bring enjoyment to your life. If any of these things begin to take away from your quality of life, or if they are no longer serving a worthwhile purpose, MOVE ON. It’s hard, but necessary. Be brave enough to cut ties and say goodbye; your happiness depends on it!
Ask a Mentor for Advice
Find a woman who you admire, that has what you want in life, and ask her how she does it. Did she successfully find a balance between family and career? Did she travel the world and still land that corner office by the time she was thirty-five?
Ask her advice on how to accomplish the things that you want. She will be able to give valuable, and very real, advice on what she had to prioritize (and sacrifice) in order to get to where she is. If she can do it, so can you.
Be Selfish With Your Time
Your time is precious, and you should treat it as such. Everyone else in your life should understand and respect this too. Putting yourself first is an incredibly powerful thing, and it will allow you to prioritize what you need in order to get it all accomplished. Remember, your needs are fluid and will change. So, if you are feeling inspired and on a roll with your latest project- put in the extra hours to get it finished. If you’ve been putting in tons of overtime, schedule an extra yoga class or an impromptu Sunday brunch with girlfriends. Listen to your gut, it will not lead you astray.
Hats off to all of you out there working hard and chasing your dreams! You are an inspiration.
Do you have any tips for how to do it all and still keep your sanity? Tweet about it to us @MsCareerGirl!
Career Girl Checklist for Finding Balance