Emerging Career Professionals: Early Career Representative Column

Maria Valgoi

Early career can be a very stressful and confusing time. It’s a time when one defines themselves professionally, takes risks, and innovates. It’s also a time when professionals are making huge life decisions such as committing to a partner, having children, and buying a home. After talking with ECPs in the division, I wanted to offer five key areas that many ECPs find important on their journey and have helped provide balance.

• Play – Many ECPs find adding play in their self-care routines provides balance. Play fosters creativity, strengthens relationships, and provides an important break from the pressures of professional life. Many ECPs with young children play with their children as a form of bonding as well as emotional release. ECPs also play on their own or with other adults to find balance. Improv groups, building Legos, video gaming, drawing/painting, sports, and roller-skating/skateboarding are some examples.
• Rhythm – Many ECPs find it important to prioritize consistent sleep routines, regular meals, and movement in alignment with your body’s needs. Paying attention to these body-based rhythm’s help with focus at work, emotional regulation at home, and mental clarity with serious decision making.
• Spirituality/Connection to nature – Spirituality, whether through religious practices, meditation, mindfulness, or a connection to nature, can provide a sense of purpose both personally and professionally. ECPs can find a foundation and grounding in a spiritual tradition. Often times the work in our field can existentially challenge us. Finding a spiritual outlet can sustain motivation and commitment to ECP goals.
• Social support – Self isolation, while often instinctive in times of stress, drives feelings of depression, and anxiety. It also limits our ability to resource opportunities for assistance and growth. ECPs find social support integral to their journey’s. Building and maintaining strong social connections can serve as a crucial buffer against stress. Whether through colleagues, mentors, friends, family, or professional networks, having people who understand and support you builds resilience.
• Values – From big life decisions to mundane daily choices, living in accordance with your values can bring self-confidence and mental calm. Many ECPs find managing career overwhelm from a values perspective very helpful. Whether it’s maintaining ethical integrity in your work, prioritizing meaningful relationships, or advocating for social justice, staying true to your values can help prevent burnout and enhance job satisfaction.