By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Charish Hammond | Realtor & Trusted Real Estate Advisor

My work life balance has changed over time because it’s a challenge to give 100% to both career and family at the same time. I didn’t want to miss anything when my children were growing up but now that my daughters are both teenagers it’s made the balance easier because they’re more independent. There are times it’s difficult but we just work around it. For example, when we recently went on vacation to Destin, FL I had to be on the phone with a client a lot during our activities. We booked a private charter and I had my attention on my phone quite a bit of the time but they understood, accommodated it, and we still had a great time. I also had a trusted colleague back home as a backup in case anything urgent came up that needed to be taken care of in person. Because my kids are older now it gives me the ability to give undivided attention and support to my clients allowing me to do the best possible job that I can for them. Through the different chapters of life we learn to organize and adapt. There will always be challenges that we have to overcome but eventually things fall into place to create the balance we need. Read more>>

Monica Escamilla | Charcuterie Connoisseur

My work life balance has changed over these past few months, I’ve definitely have always been a daily planner type girl. From writing down daily appointments to work meetings all the way down to scheduling a run to the grocery store. I use my planner now more than ever, I always plan for the weeks ahead as well, it’s a must! It seems my life now is a bit busier than before but never the less as much fun. I think about work life balance daily, I catch myself up at odd hours remembering things I need to do for the following day. I often times write my notes down in my phone so I won’t forget and then put it all in my planner for a second reminder. Read more>>

Amy Wheeler | Secondhand Blogger & Vintage Store Owner

“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This sentence is so true. I work a lot more now than I did when I just worked 9-5, but I actually enjoy and take pride in what I am doing so it doesn’t feel like work. I really enjoy the new balance I have. Before, I was just living for the weekend and now I actually have the time and energy to focus on creating the things I want to create. My weekends are usually spent at flea markets working pop-up shops for the vintage store I co-own (Unusual Retail). I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else because I get to connect with people in the community who enjoy secondhand finds and mingle with other small business owners. Read more>>

Jennifer Phung | Small business owner and baker

Before starting my business I didn’t think a lot about balancing my social life with work life. I’m not sure if it was because I was younger, or I didn’t feel like I needed to put thought about having balance between events. Now that I run a small business my perspective has changed dramatically. There is so much that goes behind running a small business and if I sit here and think about it all at once, it becomes overwhelming. That is the part that I learned about balancing, how and why I need to put an effort in it. I think about the balance being a great tool to have, and to learn. That way you are not burning yourself out and you get to still have a life outside of your business. One of the reasons on why I started a small business was to have more in control of my time for, family events, vacations etc. How can I do that if I didn’t learn and practice how to balance with everyday tasks. Read more>>

Kelly Cordero | Kelbelle Boutique Owner & Newborn Care Specialist

I’m a workaholic. I think my balance has changed by learning how to say no, I found such freedom in that. Not every sales/event/mixer/collab offer or opportunity will edify you and your business. Play to your strengths. Don’t try and be all things to all people. I don’t necessarily feel any less busy with this balance but definitely more successful and productive! Read more>>

Brandon “Broke String” Burnett | Singer / Songwriter

There are many ways work life balance has changed over time for me. For one thing, it used to be non-existent. It was a life changing decision when I started to use time management for my advantage, instead of acting out of anxiety and always feeling stressed out. Now I think about balance as just that, it’s how you feel. It’s important for me to have time to relax, recover and reflect. I’ll always come back stronger and do a better job. Read more>>