Explore Careers New Zealand’s Post

This one is for students and new grads. Anyone that has had the opportunity to work as a student, also knows that it can be very challenging. Regardless of how mature and smart you are, having a work-life balance as a student is important. I wrote the article below to help students navigate this challenge 😊😊😊 : https://lnkd.in/eRuvg8SJ

Students - Don't waste your spring breaks like I did. Do this instead: 🌟 Light & engaging activities 🌟 • Read enjoyable books • Hang out with friends and family • Play sports • Go out in nature • Play board games These are way more relaxing & fulfilling than binging games, Netflix, or social media. Trust me, I played League of Legends for the entirety of my breaks. All I got was weeks passing by in the blink of an eye and an anger problem. 📚 Process & organize 📚 • Reflect on your semester - What went well? What could have been better? • Give yourself grace - It's okay to make mistakes, no one is perfect • Take care of any outstanding admin tasks Do this and you'll get the mental clarity needed to tackle the next semester. 🌱 Build healthy habits 🌱 • Catch up on sleep & stick to a sleep schedule • Meditate for 10 mins a day • Exercise and eat well Build these habits now, when there is less on your plate. This way, it will be easier to stick to them once school starts again. 🚀 Get ahead in your career. 🚀 • Find professionals who have the job you want and ask them for advice.  • Read recommended career & self-help books I know what you're thinking - Aren't breaks for relaxing? Why would I work? Spending 1 hour per day on these tasks isn't hard. But they provide overwhelming benefits. I've networked with 50+ professionals while in school and it's been incredibly valuable. I learned things that weren't taught in school. And I got referred to TD Bank and other prestigious companies, helping me bypass applications. Despite the awkwardness and initial rejections, networking paid off. A few years later, the idea struck me. Why not streamline this grueling process? That’s how PathPeer was born — A platform that lets you network with professionals who want to help you succeed & refer you without having to ask. And because companies pay me to help them recruit you, it's completely free. With PathPeer, students have landed jobs at big companies like RBC and Wealthsimple. What's stopping you from doing the same? Check it out here: PathPeer --------- Remember, there are better ways to spend your spring break. Do light & engaging activities. Process & organize. Build healthy habits. Get ahead in your career. You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel. 😊

🌞 As summer break draws near, educators, it's essential to leverage this time wisely for personal and professional growth. Here's a guide to maximise your break: 1️⃣ Reflect & Recharge: Take this opportunity to reflect on the past academic year's successes and challenges. Allow yourself to recharge and rejuvenate, ensuring you return to the classroom with renewed energy and enthusiasm. 2️⃣ Professional Development: Invest in your professional growth by engaging in workshops, seminars, or online courses. Enhance your skills, stay updated with industry trends, and explore innovative teaching methodologies. 3️⃣ Strategic Planning: Utilise this break to strategically plan for the upcoming school year. Set goals, revise curriculum plans, and brainstorm creative teaching strategies to optimise student learning outcomes. 4️⃣ Self-Care: Prioritise self-care practices to nurture your well-being. Whether it's indulging in hobbies, spending time outdoors, or practicing mindfulness, prioritise activities that rejuvenate and replenish your spirit. 5️⃣ Family Time: Make the most of this break by spending quality time with loved ones. Plan family outings, create memorable experiences, and cherish moments of togetherness that recharge your emotional batteries. 6️⃣ Community Engagement: Give back to your community by volunteering or participating in local initiatives. Your involvement not only enriches the lives of others but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Summer break offers a valuable opportunity for personal renewal and professional development. Let's make the most of this time to recharge, reflect, and grow, ensuring you return to our roles as educators with renewed passion and purpose. 🌟 #SummerBreak #EducatorLife #ProfessionalGrowth #SelfCare

Time Waits for No one: Key to Balance and Success 🎯 As a college freshman, managing time effectively can feel like a complex task, along with managing classes, assignments, and extracurriculars, and working on your personal commitments. However, this is the key skill that lays the foundation for success in life, especially in college and beyond. Here are some tips that have helped me stay organized and productive: 1. Prioritizing Tasks: To manage everything, identifying what’s urgent and important is the key. First, break down the projects into smaller and doable tasks and then set a realistic deadline for each. 2. Using a Planner or Digital Tool: For instance, I personally use both Google Calendar and Notion to stay on top of my work, many other nice pieces of software allow you to micro-manage your week, and have time for study, work, and relaxation. 3. Unexpected Technicalities: There will be times when unexpected tasks will come up, it might be a meeting or a task you didn't anticipate, but if you have a structured calendar in front of you, you will have the flexibility to shift a few things without feeling overwhelmed. 4. Taking Breaks: In college, one tends to feel anxious quite often, the key to that is taking breaks. So make sure that you do pamper yourself to avoid burnout. Always remember, it’s not about being busy, but about being as productive as possible. Mastering time management early on helps pave the way for a fulfilling and successful college experience, thus setting the stage for personal and professional growth. #TimeManagement #CollegeLife #Freshers #Productivity #GrowthMindset

Forced Rest: Learning from these %#$& kids. My son's school schedule changed dramatically this year. I’m adjusting to the shift from a 14-week summer break to a more spread-out schedule—7 weeks of summer vacation and one week off almost every month. At first, I wondered how these frequent breaks would impact his learning. But research shows that shorter, more frequent breaks can actually improve retention and focus, allowing students to return refreshed and ready to absorb more. Test scores are better. Attitudes are better. Fun:Work Ratios are better. It got me thinking about the parallel in high-pressure jobs. In our work, we often push through long stretches without truly stepping away. But science backs the idea that regular breaks improve performance and prevent burnout. Maybe this new rhythm is one we should be considering for ourselves, too. And as a bonus, this schedule gives us more opportunities for those October, sundown, water-skiing trips—I think I like this new normal... #cranberry

In Finland, we typically take our holidays in July 🌞, with schools reopening in the second week of August. I returned to work around mid-August, so I've been in work mode for a while now already🧑💻. However, my son, who attends school in Italy where the schools start in September, found it challenging to move around Helsinki in the August mornings. He feels like he’s being watched, as if people think he should already be back at school! 👀 The beginning of the new academic year always brings the role of #education to the frontline. We are reminded of the important role that it plays in shaping not just individuals, but our societies as well. Education is the foundation upon which we build our lives and careers, and it’s a lifelong journey that begins in the classroom but never truly ends. Its significance is further highlighted by its role as a politically sensitive issue, especially in the countries where the European Training Foundation operates or has previously operated. But everywhere, whether you’re a #student, #teacher or professional, the start of a new academic year is a perfect time to set goals and embrace new opportunities. I wish all teachers, students and lifelong learners a fantastic year! Having spent many years as a university lecturer, I always feel that this time of year represents a fresh beginning. Here are my #tips for tackling the back-to-school after a holiday: 😌 Ease into it: If possible, start your work midweek instead of on a Monday. It makes the transition much smoother and less of a shock. 🧠 Tackle tough tasks first: Use your refreshed mind to handle the most challenging tasks you left before the break. You might find them easier to manage with a clear head and some of them may have even sorted themselves out already! 🤝 Focus on today: Over the summer, I had the chance to speak with a more experienced colleague. His advice? What matters most is what you do today. This is especially valuable after a holiday—just dive in and "get s**t done", as my favourite to-do notebook says. 🚀 Change habits: The start of the school year is the perfect time to break old routines. If there's something you want to improve in your daily practice, now is the time to do it. Share your goals with colleagues and start today, not tomorrow. 📝 Plan ahead: For next year, I recommend not fully cleaning your desk before the holidays. Instead, leave yourself a to-do list, so you don't return to an empty desk (and the "empty desk syndrome") as the first thing you see. #backtowork #summerisover #worklifebalance #messydesk

🎓💼 Juggling College Life and Side Hustles: Challenges & Rewards 💼🎓 Balancing a full-time college schedule with side hustles can feel like a constant juggling act. Yet, it's one of the best ways to gain real-world experience and prepare for the future. Here are some of the challenges and rewards I’ve encountered along the way: Challenges: Time Management ⏳ – Balancing tight deadlines for assignments and client work can be tricky. There’s always a trade-off between focusing on studies and dedicating time to side projects. Burnout Risk 😓 – With limited hours in a day, it’s easy to overwork yourself, leading to burnout if self-care isn’t prioritized. Uncertainty 🤔 – Juggling different roles means things can get unpredictable. It's a test of adaptability, and some days are harder than others. Rewards: Real-World Experience 🌍 – Side hustles provide hands-on experience that complements what I’m learning in college, helping me develop both hard and soft skills. Financial Independence 💸 – Earning extra income while studying is empowering and helps ease financial pressure. Growth & Adaptability 🌱 – Juggling multiple responsibilities teaches time optimization and resilience. These skills are invaluable in professional environments, where efficiency and focus are crucial. While it’s not always easy, the balance of college life and side hustles pushes me to become more organized, focused, and prepared for the professional world. 💡 #CollegeLife #SideHustles #ChallengesAndRewards #TimeManagement #GrowthMindset #Resilience #StudentEntrepreneur

Back to University: The holidays are over, and it’s time to get back into the rhythm of university life. Coming back after a well-deserved break can feel like a challenge, but it’s also a great opportunity to reset and start strong. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to making this transition smooth and enjoyable is to balance productivity with a bit of that holiday spirit. Here’s what works for me: 1️⃣ Start Small, Build Momentum Instead of diving headfirst into a mountain of work, take it step by step. Break tasks into smaller goals and celebrate small wins. Whether it’s organizing your schedule or tackling one assignment, little steps lead to big progress. 2️⃣ Keep the Holiday Energy Alive Just because the break is over doesn’t mean fun has to stop. Schedule time for things you enjoyed during the holidays, like catching up with friends, exploring a new spot, or indulging in a hobby. A balanced routine is a productive routine. 3️⃣ Plan to Succeed Feeling overwhelmed? Write it all down. Whether you use a planner, Trello, or Notion, mapping out your tasks can make them feel manageable. Plus, crossing things off a to-do list is so satisfying! 4️⃣ Reconnect with Your Purpose After a break, it’s easy to feel disconnected from why we’re here in the first place. Take a moment to reflect on your goals—what are you working toward this semester? Keeping your “why” front and center can keep you motivated on those tough days. 5️⃣ Stay Present and Enjoy the Process University isn’t just about deadlines and exams—it’s about growth, learning, and making memories. Whether it’s nailing a lecture, discovering a new coffee spot, or laughing with friends, find joy in the little things every day. 💡 Bonus Tip: Feeling stuck? Try the 2-minute rule: if it takes less than 2 minutes, get it done right away. It’s a simple way to clear your mental clutter and stay productive. So as we dive into this new semester, let’s take it one step at a time, stay balanced, and enjoy the journey. What’s your go-to strategy for getting back into the swing of things after a break? I’d love to hear your thoughts? 💭 #lawschool #backtolawschool #student #legaleducation

Balancing Full-Time Work and Full-Time School: A Journey in Progress Being a full-time student and a full-time professional is no easy task. It’s a constant juggling act, and some days, the hours just don’t seem to stretch far enough. Recently, I’ve found myself falling behind in my college curriculum—a tough pill to swallow for someone who prides themselves on staying ahead. Reflecting on this, I’ve realized how much time and energy gets consumed by the non-negotiables of life, like commuting to the office or making the drive to Houston to check on my mom. While these responsibilities are important and meaningful, they often take up the very hours I need to stay on top of my studies. When you’re on the computer for 12 to 18 hours a day, balancing work, school, and life becomes even more challenging. There’s only so much you can do before burnout starts creeping in. This experience has taught me the importance of giving myself grace. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a step back and reassess. It’s okay to admit that you’re not where you want to be—because admitting it is the first step to getting back on track. For anyone else walking this tightrope, just know you’re not alone. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time. Here’s to all of us balancing work, school, and life—learning as we go and getting stronger with every challenge. #StudentLife #WorkLifeBalance #FullTimeStudent #GrowthJourney #GraceInTheProcess