We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balancing work and life has been quite the evolution for me. When I launched Modern Darling Media in 2016, I was working full-time in the corporate world while building my business on the side. My days were packed: a 9-to-5 job, then diving into my business from 6 p.m. until midnight, sometimes later. Weekends were devoted to developing my portfolio and tackling client projects. It was an intense two-year grind, but by 2018, I managed to transition full-time into entrepreneurship.

That shift was a mix of excitement and challenge. Suddenly, my schedule was my own to control, and I had to establish boundaries that hadn’t been necessary when my business was a side hustle. Working late nights and weekends had been the norm, but transitioning to a full-time entrepreneur meant I needed to establish a more structured 9-to-5 routine for myself and my clients. It was a big adjustment from side hustler to business owner, and it required rethinking how I managed my time and energy. I remember grappling with the idea of not being “on” all the time. There was a particular moment when I had to turn off my email notifications at 8 p.m. to avoid the temptation of checking messages. It was a small but pivotal step toward reclaiming my evenings.

The arrival of my daughter in 2021 brought a whole new perspective on balance. I’d started my business with the dream of flexibility, and I was thrilled to plan a fully paid three-month maternity leave. The support and understanding from my clients during this time were incredible, and it allowed me to fully embrace those precious early months with my daughter. However, coming back to work, I quickly realized that the pre-baby structure of my business was no longer practical. I remember one sleepless night, rocking my daughter while trying to finish up a project, and realizing that something had to give.

This decision wasn’t easy. It required re-evaluating what I truly wanted from my work and how it fit into my life as a new mom. I chose to take on fewer clients and found a new rhythm that allowed me to be present with my daughter while still pursuing my professional passions. It was a significant shift, but it also sparked a new creative drive in me. As she grew, I started exploring new business ideas and eventually turned to audiobook narration. With my background in theater and audio engineering, it felt like a perfect fusion of my skills and a fresh creative challenge.

Reflecting on my journey, I see that balancing work and life is less about achieving a perfect equilibrium and more about being adaptable. Each phase of my life has demanded a different approach to balance. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to continuously reassess and align my work with my personal goals and evolving circumstances. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but by staying attuned to my needs and making adjustments along the way, I’ve been able to find a rhythm that works for me. Balancing work and life is an ongoing, dynamic process, and embracing that flexibility has been key to navigating the ups and downs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My theater background has been a huge asset in my audiobook narration career. It taught me vocal control, helping me bring characters to life with distinct voices. I’ve also learned to express emotions and understand what’s underneath the words, which makes narrating more engaging and real.

When I first started, I was excited but also faced some challenges. I had to learn a lot about recording equipment and soundproofing my home studio. It was a steep learning curve, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Overall, it’s been a journey of growth and learning. I’ve worked with great authors and joined a supportive community. My goal is to bring stories to life in a way that resonates with listeners and makes them feel connected to the characters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ponce City Market
It’s got cool shops, great restaurants, and a Rooftop Terrace for awesome city views.

Livingston Restaurant + Bar
Near the historic Fox Theatre—perfect for a nice meal before going to a show.

High Museum of Art
Tons of amazing exhibits

The Book House Pub
You can get a drink and browse through a great selection of books

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Beautiful gardens with live music events

Fox Theatre
Fantastic performances and Broadway shows.

The Vortex
In the Heart of Little Five Points and is famous for amazing burgers.

Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
American bar & restaurant with a campfire-&-lodge theme, screened porches & local beers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my family has been a rock of support. When I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship, their unwavering encouragement and belief in me made all the difference. Their support was absolutely crucial during those early, intense days of building Modern Darling Media as well as my audiobook narration career.

I also need to give a special thanks to my husband. Not only has he given me the space to chase my creative dreams, but he’s also stepped in to play with our two-year-old outside so I can have a quiet environment for recording.

And of course, I’m incredibly grateful to all the authors who have entrusted me with bringing their stories to life through audio. Their faith in my work has been both inspiring and motivating, and it’s been a true pleasure to help their voices reach a wider audience.

Website: https://www.bookkatiethompson.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiethompsonnarrator/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiethompsonnarrator

Image Credits
https://www.mnjphoto.com/

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