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.

Crystal Lou Wood | Artist & Nurse Practitioner

I think that my work-life balance has changed over time significantly because for me- this is something brand new to me. Creating art is nothing new but using it as a business venture IS! I used to have an “all or nothing” attitude meaning that I’d only commit to one thing at a time inevitably leaving something off balance, but over time I’ve learned that it is a fine balance that shifts as life shifts. I create when my heart and soul longs to, and I am intentional about doing this since working as a nurse practitioner is sometimes very taxing! Read more>>

Nathaly Tabares | Personal & Commercial Branding Photographer

Finding work-life balance has always been something I believe is attainable, but it requires intentionality. Over time, I’ve come to realize that achieving balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about being purposeful with how I manage my time and energy. When I was earlier in my career, I felt I could easily juggle everything: work, personal time, relationships, but I also learned that balance doesn’t stay static; it evolves. Read more>>

Raven Rowan | Owner & Creative Director of Chosen Stage

It has evolved greatly. When I first started my business (Chosen Stage) I was newly married and had a 7 month old. At that time, there was slightly more flexibility in time. In the beginning, there wasn’t much travel, bookings, meetings, shows or engagements on the schedule, so even while jump starting my business, I still found ease with balancing being a wife, mother and business owner. However, after having my daughter in May 2023, is when my perspective on finding that balance did evolve. I managed to return back to my business full speed within 3 months (August 2023) but as I made my return, my schedule began to fill back up quickly and I spent a lot of nights exhausted and overwhelmed trying to figure out how to balance it all: marriage, 2 small children and my business back in full speed. What helped most was, during my preparation of return, I purposely set a target date back to the studio to ensure I wouldn’t procrastinate, and in doing so, propelled me to figure it out. I’m so glad I did! Now 5 1/2 years into my business, as a wife and mother of 2, I can honestly say the ability to maintain the demands of my business is something I take joy in because it isn’t easy, but I’m doing it! Now that my oldest is now in school and sports, I find it to be easiest to work and get caught up on emails, texts, creating choreo, planning, admin., etc. during those hours or even late nights and early mornings. I get asked all the time “how do you do it?” and I always respond, “one day at a time”. So I found that as life evolves, you have to evolve with it. You have to adjust to every season you’re in and embrace it. Whatever that looks like for you. There truly is no secret recipe or perfect way to having balance that works for us all because all of our lives are different, but finding what works best for you and your family is the ultimate goal to your own success. Read more>>

Tiara Shuneir | Creative Business Consultant/ Blogger

I used to prioritize work above all else, putting everything else—family, friends, rest—on the back burner. Over time, I’ve come to realize how unsustainable that mindset is and how much it cost me in terms of my overall well-being and happiness. Now, I deeply value the things that truly matter most: family, friends, and making time for rest. Read more>>

Jaclyn Droll

As an introverted entrepreneur, I’ve never subscribed to the “go-go-go” mentality that often dominates the business world. There have been times when I’ve felt guilty for needing to take time alone to reset and recharge. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve pushed myself to the brink of exhaustion, believing it was just part of the entrepreneurial journey. It wasn’t until I realized how much more productive, creative, and energized I am when I give myself the time to recharge that I understood I was operating against my own natural flow. In trying to emulate others, I was neglecting the very thing that allows me to perform at my best. Read more>>