A host of factors, developments, and dynamics have made most industries more competitive than ever. As a result so many of us wonder whether there is still such a thing as work-life balance. We reached out to the community to hear perspectives on finding the right balance.

Lindsay Hatley | CEO, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner”

As a single mother of three boys, work life balance is an absolute necessity. When I decided to start my own business, Hush MedSpa, I made a promise to myself that I would remain as involved, present, and available for my children as I always have been. I also knew that starting my own business so that I could be my own boss was essential for the stability of my children as a was starting the process of divorce. My presence and affection would be very important for this emotional transition for my boys. My previous career was in the hospital as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, working only 7 (24 hour) shifts a month. This was a perfect work life balance for a mother with small, young children. I was home 24 days of the month and able to drop off and pick up the boys from school, take them to and from practice, and never missed any of their games. Read more>>

Ron Friedman | Board-Cerified Plastic Surgeon and Songwriter

Work life balance is an illusion. Every successful medical practice is anchored by doctors and nurses who are fully dedicated to their patients and their craft. Early on in our practice, my wife and I had to modify our personal lives to accomodate our plastic surgery practice. After the birth of our son (now age 23), my wife breastfed him in her office between patient appointments. When our kids were 4 and 5, we had “movie nights” at our office in which they would watch cartoons while reclining in a recovery room stretcher, giving my wife and I a chance to catch up on work. Now that our kids have left home and we have been practicing for 25 years, work life balance is finally becoming a reality. While we still work about 60 hours per week, my wife does yoga three times per week, we ride bicycles about 50 miles per week, and I play keyboards for two bands and write and produce music regularly. Read more>>

Danielle Doty | Real Estate Agent

I’m convinced that there isn’t a balance. You must intentionally take inventory of what areas need attention and pour into it however you can. I think there is a work life juggle — and you have to know which balls are made of plastic and which balls are made of glass. A plastic ball will bounce if you drop it while a glass ball will break. I will say that, as a mom of young kids, I remind myself often that the golden years are fleeting. My career will always be there for me. It provides me with affirmation and a paycheck. Motherhood doesn’t; which can cause me to get a little too caught up in the hustle & grind some days. But my husband & I had a conversation early on in my career that I cling to often. We know that once all of our babies have moved out of our house, we won’t sit in their rooms and say, “Well… at least we have our money and accolades” We will just wish to go back and relive our moments with them all over. Read more>>

Ericka Alvarez | Real Estate Broker and Brokerage Owner

I am a wife and mother of 2 boys and as they are growing up I realized that work is important but being part of their day to day life was much more important. The balance is never easy however making my family a priority is not hard in general. I do my best to maintain a daily schedule when I end work and do not pick it back up until after they have gone to bed or the next morning before they wake up. Read more>>

Daniel Nanasi | Creative Video Producer

When we started our careers, my business partner and I were roommates and worked 14-18 hour days. We were absorbed in what we did because we loved the idea of growing a business and brand and creating video content. For 5 years we basically only worked. As we got older, more experienced, and more mature we realized that although nonstop work is what got us here, it ultimately wasn’t sustainable. We realized in order to be better at what we do and to be healthy humans in general we had to step away from work at times. We got out of our bubble and spent time on hobbies and travel as well as started families. “Working” less is better for our careers and creativity. You have to stay inspired in order to create greatness. You need rest to be at your best. Read more>>

Kathy Walter | Leadership and Life Development Coach, Corporate Facilitator

Work/life balance is an interesting question. I don’t believe there is a “real” work/life balance, meaning you can’t create a system of balance with the idea of life versus work. I believe it is all about balancing your values. Your values are the secret to why you say “yes”, “no” or “maybe”. When you are honoring your personal values you will feel like you have work/life balance. I use a Values exercise to create clarity with my clients. This new level of awareness provides a realistic idea of what needs to be addressed to find your work/life balance. It also works as a great tool to assist with decision making. For me personally when it feels like one, work or life, is overtaking the other I review my values and find ways to honor the value or values that I am compromising on. Read more>>

Nelson Oribhabor | Digital Marketing Manager & Photographer

Work live balance is super important for me. Between 2016 and 2018, I sold cars full and went to grad school part time. Ever since I graduated, balancing my full time marketing gig, photography passion, and personal life is my main priority to keep peace of mind. Read more>>

Tanner Fedell | Financial Planner

Early in my career, my work life balance was heavily focused on work as I was single with no kids. Now that I am married and have a 2 year old, I am very focused on being a present Husband and Father. I still make sure I complete all responsibilities I have for my business but once those are done for the day they’re done for good and I focos on my family. Where I used to work, stop, and then work again well into the evening. Read more>>