24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. Junior investment bankers regularly work 80-90 hours a week. Many other high profile professions require the same level of commitment. Often those on the outside claim that working 80-90 hours a week is bad/wrong/terrible/silly/etc but we’ve spoken with so many folks who say working that much has been the best decision of their life – it allowed them to develop a deep and strong skill set far faster than would have been possible otherwise. In other words, by working 2x the hours, they were able to generate 5x or more the rewards. And depending on where you are in your career, investing heavily in your skills and competence can pay dividends for a long time.

Sharon Whelton | Modern Stained Glass Artist

When I first began working with stained glass in the spring of 2019, I was a restaurant manager with very little time to devote to my craft and even less to my well-being. As the pandemic dragged on into 2020, I realized that I needed to put my health first. I knew that taking up stained glass as a full-time profession would mean long hours in the studio but also the freedom to balance work with life on my own terms. It’s resulted in significantly less stress, more time spent with my husband and a happier, healthier me. Read more>>

Kamaria Winfield | Kam | Aspiring visual artist & Photographer

My work-life balance began to change when I had stopped making excuses for my passion. Putting off and furthering myself from learning and growing in my craft became my regular regime until I decided to push myself to go the extra mile for myself. Balance to me is having organization; structure keeps me balanced. Otherwise, I would be all over the place, and nothing would get done, so I definitely strive to be more organized. Read more>>

Wesley Sweetapple | Hip hop musician/ song writer/ performer

Balancing Music and Work and having a social life has been trial and error over time for me. I spent a lot of my early twenties partying and adventuring around the city instead of putting in work into my lifelong dream. I was stuck at the moment, not really having the financial support to get myself the things i needed to invest in my musical career, so I spent most of my time just partying and getting to know new people. Later in my twenties after a series of emotional traumatic events took place, I realized it was now or never, and went 100 percent into my passion, my dream; Being a successful/impactful artist/musician. Read more>>

Brandon Lumpkin | DJ

– There is now a significant amount of time and effort I have to put in as a business owner, DJ, husband, father, all while still working a 9-5. Often times when I get off of work or on weekends, I’m finding myself helping to run my kids to their extracurricular activities, squeeze a date in, or am on the phone and/or zoom meetings and consults about upcoming gigs. Read more>>

Jasmine Williams | Content Marketing Consultant & Freelance Mentor

At first, when I started my business, I didn’t really have a lot of work-life balance. I was so excited to have more time freedom that I would meet up with friends during the day and then scramble to get my work done later. Now, I’m very intentional with my time. My approach to work-life balance is to do my best to manage my energy. For example, I know I tend to be the most creative and have the most energy in the mornings, so I try to block off that time for deep work and use the afternoon for client calls and admin time. Read more>>

LaTonya Baker | Associate Compliance Officer, Entrepreneur& Realtor

As I have matured and grown within my profession as well as being a wife and mother work/life balance can be challenging. I went from being just a 9-5 single women to being married with kids, a full time job, realtor and landlord. I am a very active parent in my children’s live to that adds another layer. Honestly, some nights I’m up until 2am working on projects, contracts, or reports. I am learning now that I must take time to enjoy the benefits of my success and spend quality time with family and friends. Read more>>

Neka Singleton | Hairstylist

Since first starting my business , I didn’t have a social life . For some reason I thought being soooo focused on my business would mean I would be successful . But that isn’t true , being able to be there full time for both my social life and work life is what is important . Being happy and being able to provide excellent customer service is what makes my business successful . Read more>>

Jaded Icon | Stylist and Personal shopper

My business hours. I save business and work duties for a certain amount of hours which is 9am-6pm where I respond to all inquires and deal with business. That way I can still have my seperate personal time and a set amount of time I can work. Read more>>