By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Jessica Williams | Educator, Philanthropist, & Reset Strategist

I believe that balance looks different for everyone. I used to have this warped view of balance. I thought that balance was all about managing all of your roles at once, and literally performing at 100% at all times, but that is unrealistic. Mentally and physically it can be exhausting and overwhelming causing you to spiral or lean on addictions to push through. After my own experiences as an educator, non-profit leader, entrepreneur, parent, etc. and life in general: I have found that balance is just about prioritizing. If you are ambitious like me, your plate is always going to be full. Balance is about prioritizing and planning to accomplish the most important things for that particular day or season. Read more>>

Yamie Barnett | Digital Content Strategist, Podcast Host, & Artist

Very recently, I found myself becoming overwhelmed and exhausted. As small business owner, I do most things (things that I can’t necessarily outsource yet) on my own. After having a conversation with both my therapist and some of my friends who operate in similar spaces, I had an epiphany. I make my own schedule, and because I make my own schedule, I am well within my rights to implement breaks and vacations — and my business will still continue to thrive. There is a sense that if you’re not hustling ALL the time, you will miss out and I’m learning that if things are properly planned out, I can hustle without it leading to exhaustion — exhaustion makes me feel like I don’t want to do the work to my business successful and that’s just as unhelpful as not putting the work behind my business. Read more>>

Stephanie Hunt | Business Owner, Creative Director & Graphic Designer

Work life balance has always been something I struggled with. In the early days of freelancing, I worked a full-time job, had a family AND would work my “side” business to help it grow. When I tell you that I worked all hours, I mean it! Eventually, I grew tired of work constantly being my focus and decided it was time to step out on my own. When we first opened The Savvy Peach, I continued to work feverishly to make sure every client had every project in record time. The pace was unrealistic to keep, and I quickly learned that slowing down allowed me the creative space I needed to succeed both in business and in life. Over the years, my family takes priority some days and work takes priority others. To say that it is a normal, daily balance would be a lie. Some days are chaos and others are peace. Read more>>

Amy O. | Drummer & Creative

I’m currently still a student so naturally a handful of my time goes towards coursework. My drumming, music, skateboarding and YouTube channel are what I spend my time on (most of the time). When I first started university I dedicated probably 90% of my time to my art and craft and got super behind in my classes, my grades were crap and I was always catching up and never ahead on stuff. During the end of my second year I got fed up with always being behind and put drumming on hold, I didn’t practice much, and I would upload a YouTube video maybe once every three months. Didn’t skate for months. So I went from one extreme to the other. Fast forward to now (I’m in my fourth year in school) and I think I’ve perfected my balance. It’s so simple: invest the majority of my time on what makes me HAPPY. Read more>>