Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 16
There is a lot of talk about work-life balance
for younger generations in the workforce.
How are you learning to set boundaries and
protect your wellbeing while building
your career?
There’s been a real shift in how younger generations view work. The idea
that you give everything to one company for 40 years and it will look
after you in return just isn’t the reality anymore. There’s less blind loyalty
and more awareness that you have to take responsibility for your own
wellbeing and career longevity.
For me, it’s been about 昀椀nding a balance. I don’t believe in clockwatching to the minute, but I also don’t believe in sacri昀椀cing your
wellbeing to look committed. I’ve learned that saying yes to everything
isn’t sustainable. Early in my career, I rarely said no and I would hit
capacity quickly. Now I’m much more conscious of my energy. Am I
saying yes because it genuinely adds value, or because I want to be seen
as helpful?
Protecting my wellbeing has also meant recognising what stage I’m
in. Sometimes a role 昀椀ts because it offers 昀氀exibility. Sometimes it 昀椀ts
because it challenges you. Sometimes it’s about the people. I think
work-life balance isn’t a 昀椀xed formula. When it works well it should shift
depending on what you need at that time.
The biggest lesson has been that boundaries aren’t about doing less.
They’re about being effective for longer. If you’re constantly running at
full speed, you burn out. If you never stretch yourself, you stagnate. I’m
still learning that balance, but I’m much more aware now that protecting
your energy is not sel昀椀sh, but important self care.
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Critical Careers
