Interview with Dr. Viktoriya Kolarova „Do more of what makes you happy.“
Dr. Viktoriya Kolarova, Research Associate and Project Leader at DLR (German Aerospace Center) in Berlin, reveals the secrets of job happiness and a healthy work-life balance.
“Do more of what makes you happy”
Describe you and your role in a few sentences
As a scientist and leader of a research project on autonomous driving, I am looking at user acceptance of emerging technology and how they will change our mobility, transport system and society. With my work, I am contributing to creating a more sustainable mobility system in the future.
You are very fulfilled and happy in your job. What is your secret for job happiness?
First, I have found a job that fits my skills and a topic that inspires me. My work does not feel like work, because I am rewarded to do what I enjoy doing. I feel fulfilled when I am using my skills to contribute to my field and when I am recognised in my scientific network.
Second, I am continually working on my personal development – even when you find your talent, you have to work on unfolding your potential. Learning new skills helps me cope with parts of the job which I don´t particularly appreciate doing or which I am not so good at. This makes me grow further.
How do you manage your work-life balance?
I set up, and stretch goals, but I work on them in a realistic timeline, which gives me more family and „me“ time.
And I have learned to say more often NO! I am trying to be very organized and put everything on a To-Do List to free my mind.
Also, I´ve learned to live more here and now and to focus consciously on one task – there is no point trying to take care of a child and being on a Teams call at the same time. Finally, I take daily time for myself to come down, free my mind, and recharge.
What inspires you and energizes you at work and in your personal life most?
At work and in my personal life I get inspired by new ideas or inspiring people, who work hard to succeed. What energizes me at work is a project achievement and the recognition it brings. My biggest energy source is my little son.
As his role model, I aim to show him that everything is achievable, that you can be successful and happy when finding the right job, and that you should be always curious to learn new things and brave to follow your dreams. Luckily my work allows me to have a lot of time for my family.
What is your dream job and how do you plan to achieve it?
My dream job is to become a professor. I know exactly what is on the checklist to become a professor and I work on it. And I do not do certain courses, write publications on a certain hot topic, or lead projects to have an appealing CV – I am trying always to be true to myself and choose topics that inspire me.
I believe that to become a professor or to receive any other leading position in your field, you must be a unique personality with your specific expertise and profile. Best case scenario: finding your niche where you can flourish.