After Graduation
Marketing Yourself
Networking
Evaluating a Job Offer
Job Interview Tips
Common Mistakes, Do's & Don'ts
Introduction Headings
Internships
Resume Styles
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Resume Writing Tips
Applying Online
Test Information and Dates
Degree Programs
Getting a Job
Choosing a Career
Where to Begin
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organizing your Life (3rd Edition) by Georgene Lockwood
Online Education: Is It for You? by Susan Deane
Going Back to School 3E by Frank Bruno
Life After College: What to Expect and How to Succeed in Your Career by Andy Masters
Life After School. Explained. By Cap & Compass
How to Survive the Real World, by Hundreds of Heads Books, LLC
Why I Give My Time
I’ve always been one of those people who were the first to raise my hand to volunteer. I try to give everything my all and I have always enjoyed being involved with lots of activities – the typical overachiever. As I’ve grown as a woman, I have learned lots of valuable lessons. When to say no and when to say yes, how to find joy in my daily activities and to be sure what I spend my time doing is enriching my life and helping me to meet the goals and priorities I have set for myself.
During different stages of our lives, different activities take priority. Planning my wedding trumped being president of my university’s local alumni chapter, career demands meant not serving on the gala committee of my favorite charity. Now, becoming a mother means leaving career opportunities I had worked long and hard to achieve.
Three years ago, when I moved from my home state of Florida to the suburbs of Washington, DC with my husband, I left behind the non-profit board of directors I sat on, activities with the Junior League, a fantastic career and the best friends a girl could ask for. I didn’t know what my new life in the Nation’s Capitol had in store for me, but was excited to spend it with my husband.
Quickly, I found a great job. I enjoyed being married. Planning and preparing our dinner menus, traveling, and exploring our new hometown were the highlights of my activities. Something was missing, so I decided to get more involved with Phi Mu by volunteering with the DC Alumnae Chapter and advising the collegiate chapter at American University. I transferred my membership to the Junior League of Washington, DC and joined a Daughter’s of the American Revolution Chapter. I’ve been able to make great friends, grow as an individual and find joy in doing all these things. I continue to learn more about myself and the woman I want to become by remaining involved with Phi Mu and volunteering with these other organizations.
The joy that fills my heart when the collegiate women I advise reach a goal they set for themselves or when I read with children at a homeless shelter by volunteering with Junior League are very satisfying and complement the life I have chosen to create for myself.
A main goal of mine is to have fulfilling days where I feel enriched and am able to be the best wife and mother I can be. I learned that by making my happiness a priority, I am able to be a better mother, wife, friend, daughter and employee. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to help me develop a work, life, volunteer balance:
During different stages of our lives, different activities take priority. Planning my wedding trumped being president of my university’s local alumni chapter, career demands meant not serving on the gala committee of my favorite charity. Now, becoming a mother means leaving career opportunities I had worked long and hard to achieve.
Three years ago, when I moved from my home state of Florida to the suburbs of Washington, DC with my husband, I left behind the non-profit board of directors I sat on, activities with the Junior League, a fantastic career and the best friends a girl could ask for. I didn’t know what my new life in the Nation’s Capitol had in store for me, but was excited to spend it with my husband.
Quickly, I found a great job. I enjoyed being married. Planning and preparing our dinner menus, traveling, and exploring our new hometown were the highlights of my activities. Something was missing, so I decided to get more involved with Phi Mu by volunteering with the DC Alumnae Chapter and advising the collegiate chapter at American University. I transferred my membership to the Junior League of Washington, DC and joined a Daughter’s of the American Revolution Chapter. I’ve been able to make great friends, grow as an individual and find joy in doing all these things. I continue to learn more about myself and the woman I want to become by remaining involved with Phi Mu and volunteering with these other organizations.
The joy that fills my heart when the collegiate women I advise reach a goal they set for themselves or when I read with children at a homeless shelter by volunteering with Junior League are very satisfying and complement the life I have chosen to create for myself.
A main goal of mine is to have fulfilling days where I feel enriched and am able to be the best wife and mother I can be. I learned that by making my happiness a priority, I am able to be a better mother, wife, friend, daughter and employee. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to help me develop a work, life, volunteer balance:
- Edit – take the riff raff out, do what’s rewarding to you. Find a way to bring joy to things that have to be done. Folding laundry becomes a lot more fun when done while watching a recorded episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
- Record – write it down and have a game plan. Keep a calendar and schedule help to see what’s ahead and properly plan for it. There are great online tools and beautiful paper planners to keep you on track.
- Delegate - one person can’t do it all. Set clear expectations, provide the tools and resources needed to complete the task and let the other person run with it. It won’t be the same as if you did it yourself, but that’s OK.
- Balance - learn to say no to unnecessary things and yes to meaningful activities. Don’t count the quantity of what you do as a volunteer, count the quality. Include time with your family and friends on your priority list.
- Communicate - it’s imperative to be on the same page as the others in your life from co-workers to children, let them know what’s going on. Regularly talking with my husband about our plans for the week has changed our marriage for the better.
- Vision – set goals and check in to ensure that how time spent is worthwhile and helping you to achieve your goals. If I spent all day running errands in the car, how did that help me achieve my goal of spending time with my family?
- Escape – take time for yourself. Have some quite time, go for a walk or take a bath. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on anything.
- Endeavor - strive for excellence in everything you do. Cutting corners is never fulfilling, work hard and take pride in your accomplishments.
These are just some of the guidelines I use to help me prioritize and balance the activities in my life. I’m sure the list will grow as I continue to grow as a woman.
Meet the Expert
Sarah Thompson
Falls Church, Va.Alpha Nu Chapter University of Florida, 1998
Sarah Morgan Thompson joined the Alpha Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Fraternity in the fall of 1998. She received a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations in 2003 and a Master of Business Administration in 2005, from the University of Florida.
Her career has covered human resources, oversight of financial advisers, non-profit development, project management and business consulting.
She currently chairs the Community Family Life Services Committee for the Junior League of DC, is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Vice President of Programming for the Phi Mu DC Alumnae Chapter, membership adviser for the Gamma Delta Chapter at American University and projects coordinator for the Phi Mu alumnae department.
She and her husband reside in Falls Church, Va. with their beagle Molly. They are expecting their first child.
Her career has covered human resources, oversight of financial advisers, non-profit development, project management and business consulting.
She currently chairs the Community Family Life Services Committee for the Junior League of DC, is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Vice President of Programming for the Phi Mu DC Alumnae Chapter, membership adviser for the Gamma Delta Chapter at American University and projects coordinator for the Phi Mu alumnae department.
She and her husband reside in Falls Church, Va. with their beagle Molly. They are expecting their first child.
Other Resources
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