A lot of people don’t get it. Why would you skip weekend brunch to work on your portfolio? Why do you care so much about your career when you’re just starting college? Why do you have so many internships? Ambition never sleeps, and when you’re a motivated person your career often comes first.
Our community is full of students like this who impress us on the daily. They work hard non-stop and never fail to reach their goals. The idea of killing it in your career is intoxicating. Here at CF, we get it because we’re the same way. But after speaking with Lauren Gores, one of the co-founders of Summer Fridays, it really made us stop and think. There’s nothing wrong with putting your nose down and working your tail off, but what happens when that’s all you do?
Burnout, stress, anxiety, illness, and exhaustion are just a few of the unpleasant friends that tag along with a never-ending drive to work. Getting caught up in this vicious cycle before you graduate isn’t healthy, and it’s worth figuring out boundaries ahead of time.
So what can you do to prevent burning the candle at both ends? Gores mentioned to simply be present in your current situation. “Really indulge in the experience of college and whatever you first job may be…I now have learned that careers and dreams will change, but experiences I think are what fuels the biggest success.”
This didn’t come naturally though. Gores found that it was hard to find the distinction between home and work, especially after diving into blogging and entrepreneurship.
While she’s gotten better about taking time for herself and being present, it’s still something she has to consciously put effort into. “I think we all have a habit of always thinking about what’s next. In college, you’re always thinking about what’s the next internship, what’s the next job. And then you land your first job and you’re thinking, ‘oh, well what’s the next job?’ So we’re always kind of thinking about what the next thing is, and I’m trying to really enjoy the moment and indulge in it.”
Slowing down and savoring your college experience is vital to staying mentally and physically healthy. When you take time for yourself, you’ll find more success in other aspects of your life too. Allowing time for recuperation will give your ambition and drive a chance to recharge. When you find a balance between pushing yourself and caring for yourself, that’s when you can start making leaps and bounds towards your goals. Gores expressed that when you’re in the right mindset, it’s all about taking risks for the sake of your career. “If you’re willing to be out of your comfort zone, you can do anything.”
Take in more advice and listen to the full podcast episode below!
