Significant Career Lesson From An Operations Growth And Strategy Manager At Happy Returns By PayPal
Makai's most significant career lesson, learned especially during the pandemic, is the importance of "balance," countering the pressure to work longer hours by prioritizing self-care through breaks, time off, and healthy habits. This involved actively scheduling time for personal well-being, remembering that "the work is always going to be there," and prioritizing oneself alongside professional tasks.
Work-Life Balance, Stress Management, Time Management, Prioritization, Self-Care
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Makai Cartman
Operations Growth & Strategy Manager
Happy Returns by PayPal
MIT 2015
UCLA Anderson MBA
Engineering - Mechanical
Technology, Transit, Transportation, Warehousing & Storage
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize self-care alongside work demands: Makai emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights the need to take breaks, prioritize personal well-being, and avoid burnout by setting boundaries and not letting work consume one's entire life.
2. The work is always there: Makai points out that there will always be more work to do. Learning to prioritize tasks and avoid overworking is crucial for career sustainability and well-being. It's important to remember that not every task requires immediate attention, and some can wait until later.
3. Value of good managers and mentorship: Makai credits a former manager for the valuable advice to prioritize self-care and balance. This underscores the importance of finding mentors or managers who support employee well-being and help them navigate work-life integration effectively. Seeking guidance from experienced professionals can help one avoid burnout and make healthier career choices.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One of the lessons I've learned is about balance. Especially during COVID times, it could be pretty tough.
At the beginning of COVID, I still kept going into work. At some point, I did switch to a more remote role, but I noticed the days became longer.
The world had mostly shut down, so I didn't have the usual excuses to go out, like grabbing dinner with friends or doing other activities. Everything was closed.
I think a lot of companies took the approach that you could work longer hours now. I don't believe that was the right way to handle things.
During that time, it was a good reminder from one of my old managers. He reminded me to take the time I needed to do things that helped me feel happy and good.
I learned to remember to take time off from work. Even if I wasn't planning a vacation, it was still okay to take some days off. You could just stay home if that's what you wanted.
It's important to take breaks, eat healthy, go to the gym, or do whatever makes you happy. Remembering that is also important.
No matter what you're doing, work will always be there, and there will always be something you could be doing. Often, it isn't a life-or-death situation, but you still need to get it done.
So, I guess it's about thinking about what's important and prioritizing things, including yourself.