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.

Blonde Vanity | Drag Entertainer

In the 6 years I’ve been involved in this art form, drag has gone from a hobby that I had a passion for, to a full time career that pays my bills. With that have come sacrifices to my sleep schedule, my social calendar and an increased awareness of my spending, drag related or otherwise. Read more>>

Joe Lewis | Documentary Filmmaker

My work life balance is rooted back to my high school photography program. I was fortunate to attend a high school that offered an intensive career tech course on photography. My final two years of high school I was able to spend half my day in the dark room and studio. This allowed me to spend a great amount of time working on my craft while following goal oriented projects. This experience guided me in the direction of an art and design college, where I changed my major to filmmaking. At the Columbus College Of Art & Design I was shocked by the passion and commitment of the students from the beginning. I came from a background of athletics and could find a respect for the hours and days my fellow students dedicated to their work. Read more>>

Jason Flakes | Film Director, Mindful Designer & Futurist

As a film director and business owner, my view of work-life balance has significantly evolved over time. Early in my career, I was deeply entrenched in hustle culture. It was all about ‘rise and grind,’ working long hours, and pushing through, which I thought was necessary for success. This approach was not only prevalent in the film industry but also seemed to be a badge of honor in the business world. However, my experiences, including international projects and personal shifts, led me to question and eventually redefine this notion. A pivotal moment was my time working in France, where I observed a healthier work culture focused on well-being and balance. Read more>>