Meg Pearce proof of dual career balance

Balancing study, work, volunteering and hockey has always been part of Hockeyroo and Marketing Assistant Meg Pearce’s DNA.

Having broken into the Hockeyroos squad for the first time this year, the 26 year old also works 30 hours a week as a Marketing Assistant at EY (Ernst & Young).

Further to her hockey and work commitments, she is also undertaking a double degree, a Bachelor of Commerce, and Food and Nutrition Science, online through Deakin University (although her studies are currently on hold until after the Olympics).

Pearce has also completed a Certificate III and IV in Fitness through the Australian Institute of Fitness, while having stints volunteering for a host of community and charity organisations. View Meg’s LinkedIn profile.

As part of National Careers Week, Pearce sat down with Hockey Australia Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Manager Rohan McHugh to talk about why having a dual career has been and is so important for her.

Why is talking about National Careers Week and successful stories of athletes in their careers, both during and post their careers, important?

MP: “I think it’s really important because we’re much more than just athletes. I think it is key to understanding the foundation of who we are. In having a career outside of your sport, it gives you something else to look at and a different avenue for your life.

It also sets you up after hockey and after sport. The balance for me has been really good because I know that I am more than a hockey player and I do have something that shifts my mind away from hockey when I leave the field.”

What does your definition of dual career look like and can you share some of your experiences?

MP: “I have always been a person who has enjoyed working. I’ve always balanced work, study and hockey. I would be lying if I said it was easy. It has always been a balance and a juggle but it comes down to having really good communication with the relevant people in each of those endeavours.

I balanced doing a double degree at uni, training to get into the Hockeyroos squad and also working 30 hours a week for EY (Ernst & Young). So it has been a big balance but it has also taught me a lot about resilience, determination, communication and developing a good mindset to be able to do all of that.”

How do you manage it all?

MP: “It’s a juggle and it’s about picking the times to do things and when to pull back on certain areas. Having the communication aspect and the ability to have open conversations is pivotal. Working with Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement helps me with my uni workload and having a good boss at work is important. EY has an Elite Athlete Program which opens doors but it also bridges the understanding with my boss and what I do outside and around that.”

What benefits has a dual career had for you?

MP: “I have always enjoyed work and enjoyed having an avenue outside of hockey. I think it brings out the best in me. I go to work, hang out with different people, learn a completely different skillset, so while you still do a lot of hockey training, I really saw the value in working as well.

Working in a place that you are passionate about also changes your mentality when you turn up to work. There is that priority at the Hockeyroos to have that balance and develop myself so that when I do retire from hockey, I have a job and career that I am passionate about and that I enjoy doing.”

What advice would you give athletes who are hesitant to jump into a dual career for fear of it getting in the way of their sport?

MP: “I think the term ‘getting in the way’ is interesting. I think it’s about a mentality. It would be hard if I was working at a job that I didn’t enjoy or care about. But because I am super passionate about the job I do and the company I work for, it means I rock up and am really excited to be there. If you find a place where you can thrive, jump right in and talk to the people around you because there is always a way to make it work. I certainly wouldn’t waste the opportunity thinking that you can’t do it while you are playing sport.”