Balancing a career and a passion can be a daunting task, yet it is possible to excel in both with determination. For 26-year-old Junaid Ali, an ICT professional and sports enthusiast, this balance is a reality.
Junaid’s education journey began with two years in Australia, attending kindergarten and Year One, before returning to Fiji for the remainder of his schooling and ultimately pursuing a career in information technology.
“At the age of nine, I began my sporting journey, representing my school, and eventually captaining the under-12 team to victories in the southern zone competition,” he recalls.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Junaid also excelled in athletics. “Alongside my academic work, I developed a strong sporting career,” he said. “I had the privilege of representing Rewa youth and the Rewa district at various competitions.”
Junaid also played for Tailevu and Naitasiri in futsal before transitioning to Rewa. “Recently, I was transferred from Rewa futsal and represented Fiji at the national level,” he shared.
Balancing roles in IT and sports has led to significant personal growth for Junaid. “It sharpened my problem-solving abilities in IT and taught me crucial lessons in teamwork, resilience, and ongoing enhancement in sports,” he said. “These varied experiences have greatly enriched my overall development.”
A major challenge for Junaid was balancing academic commitments with his passion for sports. “As I progressed in education and pursued a career in IT, I dedicated considerable time to training and competing in futsal and athletics,” he noted. “To manage this effectively, I learned to prioritize tasks and manage my time efficiently.”
Efficient time management meant adhering to strict study and training schedules, often sacrificing social activities and leisure time. “Personal growth has been integral in my journey, influencing both my professional and athletic pursuits,” Junaid said.
One area of significant growth for Junaid has been his multi-tasking ability. “Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is paramount. It required effective time management to juggle work demands and a rigorous training schedule,” he explained.
Maintaining boundaries, staying flexible, and seeking support from mentors and loved ones has helped him achieve a balance between his professional and personal goals. “This approach ensures consistent progress and fulfillment in both areas of my life,” Junaid emphasized.
His advice to others is to establish boundaries to prevent burnout and seek guidance from mentors and peers to navigate challenges effectively.