Career Lesson from a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools
Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, learned that a crucial career lesson is shifting from a "Live to work" mentality to a "work to live" approach. This realization, gained after sacrificing relationships to prioritize work early in their career, highlights the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being to truly enjoy life.
Work-Life Balance, Mindset, Prioritization, Relationships, Career Satisfaction
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ernesto Umaña
Dean of Culture & Instruction
Summit Public Schools
UC Riverside, 2011
Harvard University, Master in Public Policy
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Human Resources (HR)
HSI Grad, Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize work-life balance: Don't let your career consume your life. Find a balance that allows you to enjoy life outside of work.
2. The point of work is to support your life, not the other way around.
3. Lessons are learned through experience: Sometimes, the most significant lessons are learned through mistakes and sacrifices made early in your career. Learn from these experiences to build a better work-life balance.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson I've learned is more of a mindset: rather than live to work, we should work to live. Shortly after graduating from college, I was really motivated to jump into the workforce.
I wanted to give it my all and be the best at whatever I was doing. I prioritized my work to the extent that I sacrificed some of my relationships.
Something I wish I'd known earlier in life, but had to learn the hard way, is that the point of work is to be able to enjoy your life.