Debunking the work-life mindset

Stepping into your job as a fresh graduate can’t be that hard right? Wrong. 40% of fresh college graduates say they are unable to effectively manage work and life. Well, fret no further. This blog is your master plan for conquering the corporate ladder by changing perspective.

Stepping into your job as a fresh graduate can’t be that hard right? Wrong. 40% of fresh college graduates say they are unable to effectively manage work and life. Adapting to a new work life is painful and requires serious commitment. And the same tips & tricks that promised success in university arent 100% foolproof anymore. Well, fret no further. This blog is your master plan for conquering the corporate ladder by changing perspective.

What does it mean to have a work-life mindset and a university mindset?

A mindset, as defined by Psychology Today, is a belief that decides how we handle situations. They help us spot opportunities, but can also put us in self-destructive cycles.

1. The university mindset:

At university, in a learning environment, your mindset is conditioned to be one of learning and growth. The majority of decisions you make at university are exam questions and practice guides. Days are structured with rigid routines and a mentor is at every step of the way. This is called the university mindset, the way in which you perceive yourself by learning. It lays the groundwork for deep academic, social and emotional learning and nurtures your inner adult.

2. The work-life mindset:

In contrast, the meaning of the work-life mindset is to apply this profound knowledge and be compensated with equal value. Here, you will interact and share your ideas with clients and co-workers to solve problems that are out of the textbook. The work mindset, therefore, is a set of beliefs that determine your ability to maximize your potential at work. It includes responsibility, teamwork, and a sense of self-esteem.

Is the work-life balance mindset a pipedream?

What did you think when you first heard the word “work-life”? It is usually assumed that work is always dull, and indirectly creates a divide between work and life. However, work and life are the two most important parts of what makes us Human.

When you land in the real world- there’s no travel guide to say exactly where you’ll go. At your first job, the air is different. Unlike university, much more is at stake since you are accountable not only to yourself- but to your peers and employer. You will learn that while mistakes are a stepping stone to growth, they can also have severe consequences. Click on the link to read our in-depth analysis of this concept in our issue, “Guide to entering the “Work Life” in UAE.”

Statistics show that a majority of people who claim to be dissatisfied are working jobs they do not truly care about. The key to balancing work and life is to seek jobs that strike a passion within you.

Jobs and causes we truly care about and think will help make the world a better place.
Prioritize spending time away from work and inculcating hobbies in your daily routine.

With this mindset, your daily life will not be cluttered by work, instead, you will be empowered by a desire to make a change.

How can you transition effortlessly?

Even so, having a guide in your pocket does wonders! While it can be overwhelming, these tips will help you transition from a university to a work-life mindset and navigate the big changes up ahead- and maybe even learn to love them.

1. Create your own framework:

The transition from university to career can be daunting. In the former, you are used to a structured syllabus, exams, grades, and week-long breaks. The major step between you and success is submitting assignments and studying for midterms. When you enter a new job, whether it’s your ideal one or not, lay out a structure that works for you. Consider your priorities, working style and hobbies then converse with your manager and consult their managing style. Agree on a dynamic with your employer where constructive feedback is scheduled weekly or termly, so as to not hinder growth. And lastly, commit yourself to stick to these deadlines.

2. Adjust your calculations:

While starting your first job can be over-glorified, you should take time to set rounded and realistic expectations. This means giving yourself time to adjust and pass the learning curve. While setting the highest standards is a great practice, accepting the occasional mistake and analyzing what went wrong will encourage learning and give you a growth mindset.

3. From strangers to friends:

We cover how building genuine relationships is one of, if not the most important path to mastering the work-life mindset in our earlier issue “A B C’s of Networking in UAE.”

Improvise on these tips to create a positive work-life mindset that works for you. Are you also struggling to find a job that matches your skills and passions? We help youth like you, who are unable to network with industry professionals. Even worse, they can’t navigate through challenges to discover career opportunities. If that sounds familiar, let’s talk.

Reach out to us by subscribing to our website and following our social media links. Until then, bon voyage to your new work-life mindset!

Debunking the work-life mindset