A day in the life of juggling a side project and day job

Following on from co-founder Karmjit’s Day in the life article, Megan wanted to share a day in her life which looks slightly different to Karmjit’s!

Megan has a background in languages, communication and more recently project and programme management. Megan’s current role is based in a large corporate consultancy, where she is also able to act as a career coach.

I wanted to set up the Lowdown because … 

Along with Karmjit, I wanted The Lowdown to break down the barriers to accessing mentoring particularly for those early in their careers, from diverse backgrounds. And to proactively seek to engage groups who would otherwise struggle to identify a mentor. 

Often challenges in our career journeys are more wide ranging than simply the job that we’re doing - it’s navigating sexism, racism, bullying or unequal pay. Too often groups that would benefit most from mentoring are those who struggle to identify a mentor. 

Mentoring is so important to me because …  

I have spoken before about how beneficial mentors have been throughout my career so far, and it is a great privilege now to also be able to mentor others.

Having the opportunity to discuss your career path with someone independent and impartial - but experienced, can really help uncover our next steps. Whether this is the first role or workplace challenge since leaving education or when you’re twenty years into a career and considering changing industry or sector. I don’t believe this is something that only the well connected should be able to access. 

I also really strongly believe it is a two way relationship. I have learned a huge amount from my mentees in supporting their career journeys and workplace challenges. I also truly believe that as well as receiving mentoring, we should pass on our experience as we progress through our career and mentor others. 

A typical day juggling the day job and The Lowdown

With two young boys, usually we’re up quite early in our house and start the day with porridge and nursery drop off! I do use the time when I walk back though to set my intentions and priorities for the day. 

My day job at a large corporate company involves measuring impact and establishing governance structures. It was a new role when I took it on so it has involved a lot of planning and strategy. It also involves working with a lot of data which was a new skill for me to develop. 

My role is hybrid which provides a great balance for me as a working parent, I am productive when I work at home, but I do enjoy the opportunity to travel into the office and work and collaborate with colleagues in person too. 

Sometimes it can feel overwhelming that the to do list is never done, but I try to ensure that I work by the rule of 3 - that is to say I do the 3 most urgent things on my to do list which will make tomorrow easier or that cannot be put off any longer! I also try and break down work for The Lowdown into small chunks for example creating and scheduling three instagram posts. And I can then try and fit these in around the day job and my family. 

As someone who would describe themself as very organised, I do find even my organisational skills are tested now!

The biggest challenge is…

Deep down I’m a perfectionist (I know it’s cliched but it’s true) and I want to give 100% to everything - and hate leaving things unfinished. As I have gotten older I have realised that isn’t possible particularly now when trying to balance and juggle a ‘day job’, a side project and a young family. So I challenge myself on what is possible and realistic, and whether that is good enough. It can be difficult but is definitely necessary to prevent completely burning out! 

But the biggest reward is…

Helping people to have their ‘ah ha’ moment, whether that is through conversations which I have with people or helping match people to other mentors who help them have this moment! Helping empower women and build their confidence is so rewarding and fulfilling and is something I am so passionate about. And what’s even better is that I get to do this with my best friend.  

My own ‘ah ha’ moment more recently is finding perspective and balance in my life, and making peace with the fact that I will never complete my to do list and somethings will be done as best I can but might not be perfect - and that’s ok! 

The best career advice I’ve received was…

It’s ok not to know what your next role or move might be. 

I was talking with my mentor once, and I said I was envious of doctors or lawyers and other professions where there was a clearly defined career path. But actually through talking with her, I realised there was something quite exciting and liberating about not knowing the next move. You can assess new opportunities as they arise and seek opportunities which excite you, leverage your experience and help you develop new skills - not being confined by a determined pathway. 

The advice I’d give to women who feel they’re struggling with their career …

Relax. Focus on the first step, or your next step. Don’t look too far ahead if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed. 

Talk to someone…ideally a mentor. A fresh perspective and experience can be invaluable to help untangle any issues you might be facing, but also to help with making connections and introductions. And finally try some of the activities which we’ve featured in our Insights articles to help figure out what next! 

What I do to switch off

Life is very busy but it’s important to find little moments to switch off, especially with two young boys! My partner and I make soap which is something we love to do together in the evenings. I also enjoy yoga and meditation and time outdoors away from the city, in the countryside or by the sea.