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.

Lisa Tran | Wife, mother of 3, higher education professional, health & fitness enthusiast

As I think about finding balance and maintaining balance, I think of the four “F’s” that guide my priorities throughout my life: faith, family, fitness, and food. I credit my parents for instilling in my brothers and sisters and I, the importance of living a healthy and fulfilling life whether it be praying and going to church regularly, school, exercising (mind and body), and enjoying all types of food. Read more>>

Alyssa Cleland | Realtor, Amputee Advocate & Influencer

It’s been a whirlwind trying to keep what’s important in my life, while also being able to recognize what isn’t serving me. Currently, I work full time for a prosthetic company, I work part time for a non profit, I run my own social media platforms, & I recently started a career in real estate. Add to that working out 5x a week & running 3-4x a week, volunteer at my church, & have a social life. I’m a busy gal! Read more>>

Shenice Brown | Cosmetologist/ Loctician & Salon owner

To me finding balance in your home and career life is one of the most difficult things to do as a successful business owner. This is my 14th year as a hairstylist and my 7th year as a salon suite owner. i can finally say ” i got the hang of this”. I’m not 100% there, but I’m a great 92%. Emotionally, financially, and the overwhelming responsibility of fixing things when they demolish or break, i got that covered. The 8% i feel i still struggle with is the people management, personnel issues, and being able to give the same energy to my home that i give to work. Read more>>

Chris Watson | Professional Musician

I have been curating a love affair with music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a house that had many instruments, I spent an above average amount of time listening to and playing those instruments along with records and tapes my parents had collected. When I was 19, I set out to be a full time professional musician with little idea of what that actually meant and how much my life up until that point had not prepared me for the culture shock of diving head first into the flourishing cultural arts scene in Dallas-Fort Worth. To me, this brief biography applies directly to the question that I have selected. Read more>>

Erin Engelke | Founder of Beauty in the Busyness, a movement and blog for working moms

Interestingly enough, as my success grew, I actually found more clarity about what is most important and how I should focus my time both personally and professionally. I became much more confident in the need for boundaries (not checking email while I’m on vacation, for instance) and giving myself adequate opportunities to unplug so when I am at work, I am fully recharged, present and efficient. I’d be lying if I told you it’s been an easy journey though. Read more>>

Beth Sovereign | Wedding Florist

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. I waited until my kids were of school age to start my business, but a surprise baby a couple of years later made other plans for my work life balance. The balance becomes that you choose what you want in your life, minute to moment, those are the puzzle pieces of your life. We have to choose what how we spend our days and hours, because life has unlimited opportunities and finite moments. Read more>>

Marty | Audio Professional, Recording artist.

“Work life balance is very important especially for creatives. I know from time to time I feel my creative energy lacking and what I’ve come to realize is that its good sometimes to take a hiatus to readjust. Balance can be challenging at times especially in such a social industry like the music business, and It can be difficult to take time off because the constant need to refresh your relevancy, but its very important to keep a clear mind in order to create your best art. Breaks are essential to the growth and evolution of a artist.” Read more>>