24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. Junior investment bankers regularly work 80-90 hours a week. Many other high profile professions require the same level of commitment. Often those on the outside claim that working 80-90 hours a week is bad/wrong/terrible/silly/etc but we’ve spoken with so many folks who say working that much has been the best decision of their life – it allowed them to develop a deep and strong skill set far faster than would have been possible otherwise. In other words, by working 2x the hours, they were able to generate 5x or more the rewards. And depending on where you are in your career, investing heavily in your skills and competence can pay dividends for a long time.

Jazmin Graham | Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Entrepreneur

Prior to being married and becoming a mother, my life consisted of working full-time and enjoying happy hour with friends two to three times per week, indulging in self-care frequently, and managing my time effortlessly. Now, I find myself constantly trying to find an acceptable work-life balance; which, I’ve recently discovered doesn’t exist. For me, it’s become apparent that in life one aspect of your life will at times bleed into another. You can’t plan for the unforeseen (which seemingly is the norm now days). Therefore, I have formulated this plan to assist me with staying sane: Read more>>

Thom Allen | Psychotherapist & Yoga Teacher

Early in my career as a psychotherapist, the idea of balance was nonexistent. My first job in mental health was working with terminally clients and grieving survivors. It was in the height of the AIDS epidemic, so as you might imagine the work was a never-ending trial by fire. I counseled clients by day then spent many nights facilitating support groups, taking crisis calls or sitting bedside with hospice nurses as a clients faded away. At the same time, I spent weekends trying to squeeze in every moment of fun with my circle of friends; dancing the night away at clubs, socializing at impromptu house parties or attending whatever concert or social event I was invited. Read more>>

Ericka Chambers | Co-Founder/ CEO

I started this business as a first time mother when my daughter was 7 months old, so I have a very busy life of balancing family, business and my day job as a project manager. I pretty much only know chaos! As far as balance, when I am presented with something new, I have to consider “What am I giving up to do this and is the reward worth it?” I want to build an empire so that takes work but these are also precious moments with my daughter and I want to be present. Read more>>

Veronica Freire | Jewelry maker

Work life balance has been an evolving experience for me. I started making jewelry again during the COVID lockdown of 2020. I had all my boys home, doing virtual learning. I have a 9, 7, and 5 year old. My youngest wasn’t in school yet. So I used those early learning workbooks for him, get him started on those activities then bounce from the 9 year old to the 7 year old during virtual school hours. Once the day was over and the boys were settled in bed I would head to my home-based studio and get busy. I would stay up late creating, then wake early to photograph and post on instagram. To get any traction on instagram you must engage throughout the day everyday even weekends. I would take my boys to the pool to swim and use that time to make new engagements, photograph, and update my Etsy shop. Read more>>

Erin Gierhart | Food Blogger & Photographer

Balance does not mean equal. When a circus performer rides their unicycle across the tightrope sometimes they will lean left and sometimes they lean right. This back and forth allows them to stay on the tightrope. Balance means leaning into the area that needs you at that moment. When I feel out of balance I can usually identify an opportunity to clarify my priorities, because I am leaning into the wrong thing. Read more>>

Jameca Young | Clothing Designer/Maker & Interior/exterior decor specialists

When I think of work/ life balance I think of a chart room with file cabinets, Because that’s what your going to need. In the beginning that’s what is was a work/life balance. As time passed I realized I couldn’t make it with a work/life balance. Things had to do a 180, I had to do a life/work balance. I used to think if I worked hard enough life would balance its self out. I soon found out the hard way, with orders over flowing, homework and housework undone, along with missing PTA meetings and field trips, with still trying to make it to a regular job that home life is more important than work. My balance have changed over time for the better with placing home schedule as priority the business is able to run smoothly. I think balance is Key it plays a important factor in running a family and a business it’s just what we choose to balance first that determines the time it takes you to reach the level of success you aim to achieve. Read more>>