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.

Kent Barker

I am 73, so there is absolutely no question that my life/work balance has changed. As a young man I was focused primarily on the classic definition of success. Am I getting the biggest and best jobs? Did I bill more this year than last?

Age and experience changes one’s perspective. You realize how fleeting life is and that awareness shifts your priorities. I still love working and I still enjoy making a living. Read More>>

Maris Young

When I first started pursuing my creative inspiration, I tried to copy and paste the corporate structures I had experienced into life as an entrepreneur. I love what I do as a writer, doula and public speaker, and I was excited about giving myself the opportunity to work eight hours a day on projects that I truly enjoy. I didn’t stop to consider whether that framework was actually compatible with my life as a mother. So, when I quickly started struggling to uphold the work schedule that I had believed was necessary, I panicked. Read More>>

Christina Francis-Gilbert

Work Life Balance. My Work has spanned office-based editorial work, summer-holiday factory work, examining, tutoring leading to my main profession as a secondary school educator for the subject of English Language and Literature. I’ve worked in international schools and coordinated all sorts of curriculums, communities and projects. Oh and we have four children alongside teaching full-time and studying for a Masters. Back then in my 20s, I wanted and thought I could have everything, so balance was never consciously contemplated. All through those years, I desperately wanted to be creative and to spend time on writing, dressmaking, art, design, travel and cooking though felt I had to call them ‘hobbies’, nothing more significant since making money and child-rearing were known to be the important requirements of life. Read More>>