Our community is filled with hard-working, high achieving entrepreneurs and creatives and so work-life balance is a complicated, but highly relevant topic. We’ve shared some responses from the community about work life balance and how their views have evolved over time below.

Matt Wells | Songwriter, guitarist: Pasadena

I think work/life balance is an interesting topic as it pertains to a musician or a band. Many of us start out with big dreams of major label record deals, seeing a million faces, and rocking them all. Through the course of many letdowns, reality checks and overdraft checking accounts-music can make its way firmly into hobby land. For Pasadena, we’ve really tried to build a Venn diagram that allows family, professional life and the band to cross only certain lines to create a healthy sliver that satisfies our creative needs. There is a way to make music you’re proud of, record it beautifully and play it live in front of people. While touring isn’t an option for us, we work together to build a plan allowing us to record and play strategic shows throughout the year that require no real sacrifice on behalf of our family or employers. It’s a…win-win…win situation! Read more>>

Tai Lipan | Artist: Assistant Teaching Professor of Art, Northern Arizona University

For the past twenty years I have been juggling full time employment teaching in university art programs and maintaining both my painting practice as well as exhibiting work. Now, additionally as a mother of three, I have added the need to balance family with these other passions. Read more>>

Ashlee Ilg | Entrepreneur, Writer, Mom

Over the past two decades that we have started businesses, grown our companies, and raised our family of five, the idea of “work-life-balance” has changed significantly. To be clear, balance has never been the goal. When you are pursuing an idea and goals bigger than you, it will require more than you think you can give. It takes a level of faith and trust to sacrifice what you want NOW for what you want MOST. We always kept this in mind when starting and building our companies, knowing that our children were always watching. Read more>>

Jackie Saland | Instagram Influencer

Since becoming a mom of two, my work life balance has dramatically changed. My family comes first. My family and my kids come first. Which is why I love the opportunity to be an influencer because it allows me to do it mainly from home, and include my family. Share my struggles as a mom and get so much wonderful advice in return. Read more>>

Abioduni Martin | C.E.O of dew.com.co

I can’t say I have a work-life balance as an entrepreneur, that has been my most difficult area to master. Wearing so many hats in a business can wear on you. I have been delegating more responsibilities to others and hiring the right people to do the tasks I no longer want to do. However, it does seem like the free time I have now, has gone to more focused areas of the business that was once neglected. I am so goal-driven and will do just about anything to make things happen to be successful and most times this does take a toll on my personal life. So I would conclude my work-life balance is still a work in progress. Read more>>

Everton Williams Jr | Junk Removal Specialist

My work life balance has definitely become better since becoming an entrepreneur full time. Although I may have some longer days I am now able to make time be more involved in my daughter’s school activities or any of her extra curricular activities. That was one of the most important pieces for me going into business for myself to have more time for her. Read more>>

Liv Bailey | Illustrator & designer

When I first started, I was obsessed with my work. Looking back at it, I prioritized my school and artwork above most other things in my life. Not too long ago, I saw how that was affecting not only my mental health but also my relationships, especially friendships. Without realizing it, I was missing out on opportunities and memories with friends and even a career point. It’s been a hard journey, but having a healthy balance between outside life and work makes all the difference. I’ve now put a higher priority on spending quality time with those who are important around me and I’ve noticed a huge jump in my mood, stress levels, and even my physical health. I’ve been overall a happier person, and by changing my balance of priorities, I’ve been able to have more ideas, inspirations, and great connections with my peers. Work isn’t everything and for me, it was really hard to see that in the beginning. I think it’s crucial to show how much you value your connections, especially when just starting in the creative field Read more>>