The Coronavirus has given many us an opportunity to pause and think about life, our purpose, and even the right work life balance.  What’s your perspective and has it changed over time?

Conan Zhao | Fine Artist –Painter

I think the line between work and life has definitely blurred a significant bit. Before when I worked a corporate 9-5 job, the difference was more distinct. Work is work, and when I got off work I never wanted to think about it again. I often hear from my coworkers that they’d go home and continue thinking about and doing work. I always listened to their weekend stories with suppressed confusion. I think even back then I knew I was not where I needed to be, if I hated work so much. Since I’ve started my own business, I can work all night and it never feels like doing overtime. Work and life are mixed harmoniously together. I used to have to steal time to work on my passion, and I’d call that life. Now I work on my passion for a living and it feels more organic and balanced. And I think that’s how I know I’m on the right track. Read more>>

Chanelle A. Watson | Chef, Author, & Writing Coach

My balance has drastically changed over time and in a good way. When I first started my business, Chanelle’s Heavenly Treasures, in 2010 my focus was to build clientele so I could transition into a brick and mortar restaurant. However, as I continued to receive clients and fulfill orders, it became overwhelming. I was doing everything from marketing, taking the client’s orders, baking, and/or cooking to delivering and repeat. Then as my life and location began to change, so did the direction of my business. In 2014, I went from just a Chef of Savory & Sweet Confections, with Chanelle’s Heavenly Treasures, in Texas and added Published Author to my expertise, all while moving back to my home state of New York. Read more>>

Dr. Shawonna Coleman | Edupreneur & Non Profit Director

Work life balance has always been something that I’ve struggled with which is even more difficult having a full-time career and being a full-time entrepreneur. I have managed to put myself on a schedule and use my calendar although that doesn’t always work, but it does set boundaries. I sometimes still find myself pulling all night work sessions and taking cat naps in the late afternoon to wire back up for an all night work session. Many people would think it’s absurd, but my business is my passion and I don’t see it as work. It’s actually therapeutic and I often times view it as a balance to my full time job. Read more>>