👋 Hey Geist Collective!

This week’s edition comes with honesty.

I recently started full-time as Senior Talent Partner at pplwise, and while I’m genuinely excited about this role, it’s also been a challenge.

Balancing that with my career coaching work, writing this newsletter, and growing Careergeist hasn’t been easy. In fact, I’ve had to hit pause on things I love (like posting daily on LinkedIn).

So instead of pretending I have it all figured out, I want to talk about something more real:

That’s the heart of this edition.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Work-life balance isn’t a perfect 50/50 split—it’s a cycle.

There will be intense weeks and slower ones. The key is not to strive for constant balance, but to notice the imbalance and recalibrate before burnout hits.

👉 Quick Action: Ask yourself today—What’s the one thing I need more of right now? Rest? Focus? Support?

If you’re juggling a full-time job and a side project (or two), here are three rules that help:

👉 Quick Win: Pick one project or channel to temporarily pause. That pause is not failure—it’s strategy.

On April 23, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its 2025 global growth forecast downward from 3.3% to 2.8%. Major Asian economies were hit hardest: China’s growth outlook was cut to 4% and India’s to 6.2%. The IMF cited escalating trade conflicts and “considerable policy uncertainty” as key reasons. This slowdown is expected to impact hiring and investment decisions worldwide, especially in export-driven sectors. Source

The Robert Walters Global Jobs Index shows hiring activity surged by +31% month-over-month in March 2025, capping a strong Q1 with +15.2% growth in vacancies compared to Q4 2024. This rebound signals renewed employer confidence, particularly in professional services, tech, and finance sectors. Source

This book changed how I approach work. It’s a guide to doing less, better. It teaches you how to stop trying to do everything and start choosing what really matters.

👉 Check it out here (Affiliate link)

Transparency: If you buy through this link, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I'll always tell you when a link helps support Careergeist.

Reclaim.ai – A smart calendar app that automatically finds the best time for your meetings, focus work, habits, and breaks.

👉 Explore Reclaim.ai (I am not affiliated with them and do not earn when you sign up)

Note: While Reclaim.ai offers a free version with robust features, they also provide premium plans with additional functionalities.

Each week, we'll debunk a common career myth.

This Week's Myth: "You can do it all—if you just plan better."

Truth: Ambition without boundaries leads to burnout. The most successful people I know ruthlessly prioritise—and say "not now" to even great ideas.

👉 Quick Action: Write down 3 things you’re doing that don’t need to happen this month. Pause them.

How do you stay grounded when things get busy? What’s your go-to reset strategy?

Reply and let me know. I’d love to feature your advice in an upcoming edition.

I'd genuinely love to hear from you:

Reply to this email and let me know. Brutally honest feedback encouraged. I promise, I’ll take it better than your manager takes feedback from you.

You're here because you're committed to your growth

You opened this because you’re serious.

Now take one step forward—implement just one thing today.

Cheers,
Sven Bunkus
Editor-in-Chief, Careergeist