We recently connected with Barbara Alcada and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Barbara, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I believe I take, like most of us, after my parents. Our childhoods might not define us but do shape us in a way and so I’m very proud of having had parents with an amazing work ethic. My motto is a mix of ‘if someone else can do this, why can’t I?’ with ‘your effort will pay off somehow”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m currently juggling two exciting roles: I work as a Graphic Designer and I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics in Lisbon.
However, before this major life challenge, I had my own studio back in Amsterdam, focusing on graphic design and illustration. When the pandemic happened, I realised I needed a change. Life felt too short not to pursue my dreams, so I decided to go back to an old passion of mine – Astronomy – and started studying Physics.
Being 30 in the middle of my younger peers is quite a unique experience, not just because of the age gap but also because I come from a very different background (Communication and Design) and have a much busier life than they do. This led me to give the studio a break. I felt that a full time job would give me some stability and structure to my days so I’d be able to better work on my studies. Running my own business and being a full-time student was not working out.
Anyway, it’s definitely an unusual mix, but it’s also what makes my life exciting (and exhausting) right now. It was both scary and exhilarating to step out of my comfort zone like this but it’s something I needed to do to prove to myself that I am capable and that nothing can stop me from going after what I love.
I don’t really have a clear plan for what I’ll do with my degree yet, but it’s part of the journey to figure it out and I’ll see where it takes me.
I hope my story inspires others to believe that it’s possible to change paths at any stage in life 🙂
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful attributes I’d highlight are resilience, organization, and a strong work ethic.
There were numerous challenges and setbacks, but what mattered most was my ability to bounce back. Never giving up until the finish line was crossed. See challenges as opportunities for growth and learning and thinking that those too shall pass. Being organised helped me navigate through complex schedules and responsibilities which meant prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and managing time effectively. And finally, hard work. Yes, I worked tirelessly, often pushing myself to the limits. However, it’s important to recognize that there’s a fine line between hard work and overworking and my body and mind are paying the price for such an effort so I’d say to balance it out, if it’s not working as it is, pivot. It’s crucial to know one’s boundaries because nothing is worth jeopardising our health.
In summary, know your limits, but don’t be afraid to push them within reason. It’s okay to decide that something isn’t for you, but don’t give up just because you doubt your abilities. Strive for balance – it’s as important as the work itself.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The little book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi.
I can assure this book changed my life. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to finding one’s purpose or reason for being. It’s often translated as “a reason for being” or “a reason to get up in the morning.” and it enters around the idea of finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in the daily activities of life.
This is exactly what the book explains and helps us exercise the discovery of our (the reader) Ikigai.
It really put into perspective the route my life was on and what I wanted to accomplish with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barbaraverge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ba.verge/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraverge/
Image Credits
One of my drawings is from the James Webb Space telescope. I don’t think I’m infringing any copyright by drawing it but just in case.
