What’s the right balance between work and non-work time? The traditional 9-5 has slowly disappeared with the emails and zoom and texting going far beyond traditional business hours. We asked members of our community to share with us how they think about work-life balance.

Amy Rowan

I have been running my own business since my oldest son was 18 months old. During my time as an entrepreneur, I have launched 3 businesses and had two more children. So my life is….busy, to say the least.

What I have learned about balance is that the more you strive for it, the more you are likely to fail and burn out. What does that mean? Different areas of your life are going to need to be a bigger priority at different times. Sometimes it will be your family, sometimes it will be your business, sometimes it will be a major health issue or challenge that you weren’t expecting. I’ve been through all of those and I know that life can throw curveballs at any time. Read More>>

Dave Schechter

When I speak to young people working in journalism, they often mention the long hours and stress, subjects I know well from nearly 47 years as a working journalist (including more than 26-plus in various capacities on CNN’s national news desk (in the boiler room, so to speak). From personal experience, I tell them of the dangers of letting the job become too much of their identity and letting the job interfere with giving family life the attention it deserves (and without which it cannot survive). I walked close to that line in my career. When I was single and a newspaper reporter, I thought nothing of the hours.  Read More>>

David Price

At first, my work-life balance did not exist. I was young and hungry—eager and committed to working at every opportunity that came my way. When I was first establishing my business, I worked during my own and my family members’ birthdays, missed out on family events, and skipped social gatherings just to feel successful. Read More>>

LaNisha B.

When I think of work-life balance, an overwhelming sense of perfectionism often creeps in. As a mom who wears many hats, the stress of trying to juggle it all can take a serious toll. But the truth is, balance isn’t about controlling every detail—it’s about surrender. I’ve learned that I have to let go of that false sense of control and entrust every aspect of my life to our Heavenly Father, the Great I AM. He is who He is, and He is in control. Read More>>

TIFFANY MILLS

My work life balance has definitely evolved over time. Early in my career I was grinding, so I feel like I missed a lot of important family moments – family reunions, birthdays, etc. I remember getting to a point and deciding that I did not want to be defined solely by the work. I became just as intentional about my life outside of work, as I was about my career. When that light bulb went off, it felt like the whole world opened up to me. I am blessed to live a well balanced life. Read More>>

Michael James O’Brien

For 25+ years I have been a free lance photographer & editor-at-large so traveling was key to my practice-both professional & personal. When I travel, I research the location so in spare time I know the best galleries, museums, gyms & restaurants in any location where I land. I have practiced yoga for 30 years & this provides essential balance & resilience. Currently I practice 7 days a week with a yoga master, Jules Thine @yogawithjul Read More>>

Gavin Boulware

Everything changed with me with the birth of my son Roman. Before it was just my wife and I trying to navigate our new career path changes and having fun. Part of that fun was always taking photography gigs and not really focusing on my “why”. With the birth of my son, I was actually approached by mentor, Designs by JK – another amazing Charlotte photographer and he encouraged me to invest more into my family, than photography. He reminded me that every gig will be there after I spend valuable time with my son. Now I focus on the right photography session and place it at the right time in my calendar, so I can enjoy my wife but also be an active Father. Read More>>