Work to learn – don’t just work for money

Published on 29th August, 2023 at 05:13 pm

What if there was a way that work could not only be stimulating and fulfilling, but also good for your financial prosperity – beyond your salary?

Reading time: 3 minutes   

In this article, you will learn:

• Four ways to change your mindset towards learning.
• How to create a healthy work/life/learning balance.
• How the Social Emotional programme can teach you more about self-awareness.

While not every person is lucky enough to feel 100% passion for their job 100% of the time, there is a secret trick to making your working hours more rewarding. The hack? Continuous learning and curiosity.

When you approach your job and career skills as a fascinating project you get to learn more about, your brain will be more engaged, which, in turn, can lead to growth in your career. “An open mindset with the goal for self-improvement and growth ultimately contributes towards career success and improves self-worth and confidence,” says Cape Town-based career coach Nike Wadds.

4 Ways to cultivate a mindset for learning

1. Believe in yourself

It’s important to believe and trust in your ability to learn, grow, and develop, says Johannesburg-based career coach Elise McCabe, who sees many clients tackle this challenge. “Be aware of your comfort zone and be open to being challenged and uncomfortable, to unlearn and relearn.”

2. Be flexible and realistic

“This might mean you need you to abandon perfectionism,” says McCabe.

3. Embrace different types of learning

McCabe says learning is not only about cracking open the books for an advanced degree – it can also take other forms, such as being mentored and expanding your network.

4. Make it a habit

“Attitude is everything,” McCabe continues. “Develop an intentional routine and set your priorities.”

What should you learn?

Working to learn is not about nurturing your love for art history during work hours – instead, you should focus on topics that will expand and enrich your career, social skills and/or personal growth. McCabe suggests thinking about your endgame first – what would you like to achieve? What career do you really want? You can get help from a career coach or do a psychometric test to help you find your way.

“In terms of career advancement, it would be wise to identify and address any weaknesses and obstacles, which hinder your progress in terms of technical knowledge or soft skills, such as leadership or presentation skills,” says Wadds.

Remember, you have access to a Social Emotional programme through Online Education by Boston, where you can learn about self-awareness, self-management and responsible decision-making.

Learn to create a healthy work/life/learn balance

Spending all your time working and learning is a shortcut to burnout, says McCabe. She suggests always being kind to yourself and not underestimating simple things that could help you switch off – like meditation, exercising, taking a walk, or spending time on a hobby.

“It’s also important to remember that everyone works at a different pace and capacity, so your healthy balance might look different to someone else’s. Find what works best for you.”

Need to free up your time so you can learn? Use your free Personal Assistant benefit, available on the Sanlam Reality App, to help you tick off your to-do list.