Family First

It’s always been a rule in my family that wherever we are, family comes first Whether it is a video call or in person, we are always there for each other. My niece and nephew enjoy playing, “Where in the world is Aunty Geri over a WhatsApp call” (it usually ends up with them telling me to come home, but they are learning their geography) Bananagrams is also a fun virtual game to play. But most importantly it’s the sharing of stories, smiles and laughs Many times I can get wrapped up in work and feel I don’t have time for a quick family call, but it always turns out that a five or ten-minute call with the family is the exact medicine I need to help me focus and get back on track. Try it, fingers are crossed it’ll work for you too

Do what you love and love what you do

Okay, this one is kind of cheating, but hear me out. The work never ends. All of you who have been with NewGlobe for a while now know this. All of you who are new to NewGlobe will learn it soon enough if you haven’t already It’s not just you It’s everyone in the company (well at least everyone in the company that I’ve spoken to about this). Because the work never ends you need to make sure you take breaks Don’t burn yourself out, we need you. I am so fortunate that I get to see magnificent new places and meet amazing new people. If I didn’t take time to breathe in the fresh air and taste the food in the local shops I would miss out on those one-off conversations I have with people who I randomly bump into in the street. Every new interaction I have helps me to understand the ‘landscape’ of where we are/will be working These little breaks help me to do my job better.

Be Yourself

I’ve without a doubt jumped down a rabbit hole with this one, you can skip right to 3 if you’d like, but I do think the number one way for me to have work and balance, is for the two to be the same. I do not change my personality at work. When I write emails, I tell all of you how awesome you are in the email I do the same when I’m writing to my family and friends. I do that, one because you truly are awesome and need to know that, but also because that’s how I write I write what I’m thinking and say what I’m thinking I do try to take cues from the room, for example, if we’re in a government meeting, I try not to spurt out that I think the minister has a nice hat or that the secretary’s shoes match their shirt Sometimes closing my mouth works Many times it’s hard though, that’s who I am, and by being myself it’s hard for me to see the work/balance thing, because I’m happy, so there’s no need to separate the two Except of course when I see trees that are just calling to be climbed, that without a doubt is not in my JD, but I need to do wherever I go because that also makes me happy and is me being myself.

Prioritise life goals

Some of your life goals may be to have a good job or raise a happy and healthy family. Perfect Go for it You’re already doing the first one by being here I am almost certain though that none of you would’ve joined this job if one of your life goals wasn’t to do something good in this world. NewGlobe’s mission is to provide millions of children with a life-changing education and all of us are a part of that My life goal of ensuring children receive a quality education aligns perfectly with that of NewGlobe. Whatever we need to do to achieve our goals, let’s do it As you prioritise your life goals we will all continue to work towards the common goal which is NewGlobe’s mission Don’t forget to take time for your family, do what you love, and be yourself along the way. It’ll make the fuzzy line of work and balance just a little more okay