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.

Abigail Blake | Photographer

First balancing your work life and personal life can be challenging. Though a work-life balance does have positive effects. When I get to creating my schedule that works well for me I tend to think about the best way to achieve balance in my personal life as well as at work. I also think that setting some boundaries at work and home can also help. You have to make sure though with whatever you do that you try to take some time for your self. Read more>>

Adrian Johnston | Boy Mom, Oil Wife, Country Singer/Songwriter & Boutique Owner

Oh work/life balance is a constant struggle! Being a new mom, I am constantly reminded that I can’t just up and accept a show or event without making sure I have child care confirmed, or that it will work around nap time, ha! I used to be able to go out on the road for weeks at a time, and now that is not an option. Even the simplest things like trying to answer emails during nap time is a struggle! Mom’s are truly amazing. I’m so lucky though, that between my music career and owning a boutique, that both are flexible enough for me to dictate my schedule and bring my son along for the ride! Not many people have that opportunity to be a full time mom, and a full time career gal! Read more>>

Jennifer Pennebaker | REALTOR, Stegmeier Realty

When I got in to Real Estate, my motivation was from having two young children that I wanted to be more available to. In the beginning, I was hungry for clients and work and didn’t know how to set boundaries with clients and worked a lot. I would take calls in the middle of the night and work long hours. I learned quickly how to set important boundaries with clients and other agents for my family and for my mental health. Now, I see the importance of why I chose to become my own boss. I am able to choose the clients and deals I prefer to work with. Read more>>

Ressa Wright | Skin Tightening Specialist & Body Sculpting

Work life balance takes effort. I spend the day with my clients and then find myself at night working on pictures, reels (thanks Instagram) or the best treatment for my clients. While also being a single mother and volunteer work. The balance has changed from going to work clocking in/out not thinking about it until the next day. To constantly thinking of ways to better my business. I try to schedule myself one day off a week to take care of other projects or obligations. Family time is in the evenings not on my phone for work but making the best time with my child. I enjoy the balance, I may work more hours at home but I like having the flexibility to do so. Read more>>

Veronica Alvarado | Owner & Chocolatier

I’ve always worked for companies that I truly believe in so I’ve always loved my job, even on the hard days. However, that makes it even harder to draw the line between work and personal life. Still, I’ve realized that even as a hard worker, I want to look back at my life and say that I was there for family dinners, I was there for birthdays and graduations, and I was there for the friend when they needed me the most. Read more>>