One of the most important advice graduates can receive is about work-life harmony. In fact, a recent survey found that 70% of people place work-life balance as one of the top priorities when looking for a new job. The average person working in the middle class works more than 50 hour a week so it's no surprise that people want to find new careers to improve their work/life balance.
You can have a work-life balance
Research shows that graduate student have six times greater risk of depression and anxiety than the general population. Graduate students should make it a priority to keep a healthy work-life balance. GradHacker offers many articles on the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and social health, while still managing work and school.
You need to balance your personal and professional obligations in order to avoid job burnout. A healthy work-life balance can be especially important for those just starting out in their career. This includes setting healthy boundaries and investing your career development.
Prioritizing development over money
For college graduates, it is more important to focus on career development and growth than monetary compensation. Though money is important, it should not be the first priority. Graduate hiring managers should instead focus on the opportunities for growth and development within their companies. Insider interviewed executives from the C-suite to share their thoughts.
1000 recent graduates were surveyed by the University of British Columbia in a study. They were asked which they valued more, time or money. The students who prioritised time were happier one-year after graduation. This was true even when we adjusted for baseline happiness or used alternative model specifications. Accordingly, this study shows that people still value time and money after one year of living in the real world. This behavior can be explained by the pursuit of intrinsically rewarding activities.
Choose a job that reflects your values
When searching for a job it is important that you choose a career which aligns with your core values. This will give your life purpose and guide you in choosing the right career path. You may feel dissatisfied, depressed, or drained if your values are not aligned to your job. These symptoms are common, and they can range in severity.
There are many options to help you determine if your career path aligns with your core values. You might consider your values to be financial security or work-life balance. Your personality may also influence your values. Some people are more career-oriented then others. This means that they might be more suited for a career that offers flexibility and offers more work-life balance.
After graduation, take advantage of the opportunities
It doesn't matter if you are just graduating or if you are thinking about pursuing a postgraduate degree. There are many avenues to enhance your experience and gain worldwide experience. Join a professional society or volunteer organization at your university to meet people with similar interests. These opportunities will help you discover career options and give you practical experience in the real-world. In addition, they can give you a sense of what to expect when you enter the workforce.
You can earn a bachelor's to help you prepare for your chosen career. You can also choose to pursue a post-graduate program that will give you specific skills required for your preferred field. This can help secure an entry level position in the industry you choose.