The Coronavirus has given many us an opportunity to pause and think about life, our purpose, and even the right work life balance. What’s your perspective and has it changed over time?

Rachel Williamson | Founder & Chief Strategic Retail Advisor of Running Great Stores

I have never been effective at the notion of “work/life balance”. As I have matured, I have learned that this looks different for everyone, in every season of life. As an empty nester, I can choose to work nights or weekends that used to protected for family time. It is less about how many hours I work and more about feeling fulfilled in the work I am doing and making a difference every day. I would suggest that finding balance is about making decisions that meet your needs where you are right now knowing full well that in the future, it could change and you need to be ready to change with it. Read more>>

Jacob Maher | Photographer, Videographer, Creative Director

1. My Balance has really been about balancing school life and also work life. I currently am a junior business major at Miami University in Ohio and I’m also touring in traveling with various artist such a Sean Kingston so balancing school classes, and leaving to meet with clients or travel for days or weeks at a time Is quite challenging, but worth it. Another aspect of balance that I find as a creative is that people like us need downtime in need time where we are not doing anything to let our mind defree sometimes you just need to take a day or a few days off of shooting or creating something to really let your head reset and get back in the creative mode that you need to be in. Read more>>

Arris Cohen | Visual Artist and Educator

My work life balance has changed as my responsibilities to my career and family size has increased. Focusing on Art as a career in self employment increased the amount of work I have to do daily. I balance both with a routine that I constantly reevaluate and change as needed. All of this time management is supplemented with counseling and self time for mental maintenance. Over time, it has all started to get a bit easier although there are always peaks and valleys. Read more>>

Zac Adams | Tattoo Artist and Shop Owner

In the beginning, there was no balance; it was full tilt all the way. Not having a safety net and starting my own business, along with building my reputation from scratch (I just moved back from the Carolinas) became the focus. I started early and stayed late, losing track of time and working as much as possible. I left no stone unturned, trying to build up the Inkeeper’s name and become successful. As hours turned into days, days into weeks, and weeks into months, I realized I wasn’t taking much time off. The friendships I had built up over the years dwindled away, and the family dynamic I once loved and relied on slipped right through the cracks. Instead of spending time with the ones I cared about, I was spending my nights alone or with clients working through the tough times, patiently manifesting the good times. It takes a lot out of you, I’ll tell you that. Read more>>

LadyPerez | Model, Entertainer, Actress

Nothing in my life is ever easy – though I wish it were. 2023 alone had so many challenges that had me questioning the value of my own life at multiple points, but I can finally say that I am still here. I got started in theatre in the 7th grade in “Ragtime” through the Chaney High School VPA after school program while I was attending Rayen Early College and I never stopped performing. Of course, I previously had a background in the church as well, but I feel like that moment was my kick starter. In the arts, I’ve learned how to develop thick skin, how to defend myself, take criticism and how to separate my personal life from my professional persona. Read more>>

Asia Barnes | Medical Herbalist

Work-life balance is crucial for several reasons. Because when I first started my business, I had a full-time job and was on call seven days a week, and with time off, I would work to grow my business. This. In my life was very stressful. First and foremost, it helps maintain good mental and physical health. By balancing work and personal life, I reduced stress and prevent burnout, leading to improved overall well-being. Secondly, work-life balance allows me to spend quality time with family and friends, fostering strong relationships and creating a support system outside of work. This balance enhances my personal happiness and satisfaction, promoting a sense of fulfillment and a positive outlook on life. Read more>>

Natalie Preusser | Massage Therapist, Entrepreneur

This is easily one of the hardest questions to answer because it is something I struggle with often. Maintaining a balance between work & a personal life is not for the light of heart, there are good days & bad days! My balance when I first opened my business was really bad. I was working 12 hours a day non-stop & taking clients anytime of day or night to build a name for myself & get as far as I possibly can with this business alone. I started struggling with physical & mental health so I had to pull back to help myself & in return, it helped my business too! I was in two car accidents & my dad had a stroke & so it wasn’t easy to juggle it all at once. I realized rest & taking care of myself is just as important as anything or else I couldn’t take care of the business! Read more>>

Andrea Violette | Chiropractic and IFM certified Functional Medicine Physician

Work-life balance has not always been a priority of mine. When I first started in the chiropractic world almost 12 years ago, I would take work home with me. I would answer emails all weekend long. I even had my personal cell phone number on the voicemail so that patients could reach me over the weekends, and I would come in for special visits if they were in pain. What I learned from this is that many times people called me just to schedule an appointment for days later, if they were in intense pain, I couldn’t offer what they needed, and my personal cell phone should be just that: PERSONAL. Read more>>

Stephen Pappas | Musical artist & producer

I see it a couple of different ways. My journey has been unique to myself as a person under the calling I’m walking out in my life. I’m in a place now where I have a free-ish lifestyle to tackle the projects that I want to. I work full time at a day job to support myself as an artist, but it’s a job that I feel is in line with my calling and passion. So I don’t feel like Im necessarily evening working. I’m having fun! In the beginning I would use survival jobs, eventually over time I’ve suffered and matured enough to where I’ve been released into some providence. I can finally enjoy my life as it happens and not worry about anything. Read more>>

Loyla Louvis | Certified Parenting & Life Coach

Work-life balance is a journey that’s evolved significantly for me over the years. It’s like trying to keep a handful of spinning plates in the air, each representing different aspects of life. My approach to balance centers on the unwavering belief that my top priorities must always remain at the forefront. My true north, as I navigate the challenges we all face today, is my faith in God. He guides my steps, providing wisdom and perspective that grounds me in every decision I make. It’s a source of strength that never wavers. One of the fundamental truths I stand by is that there are windows of opportunity in life that don’t linger. Read more>>

PastAura | Aspiring Artist

It was hard at first, because I am a nurse now who oversees about 20 patients a day and when I go home and have free time when im not being a mom I write. All of the things I do I feel sometimes hinder me by giving me writers block, but I learned to manage it by doing one thing. I decided take on life by one step at a time and it has really worked for me. I no longer plan ahead extensively, but just prepare a layout for possible things, because that way I am not overwhelmed by what doesn’t go my way. I really am starting to see more success from taking baby steps in order to balance taking care of my son, working and making my music. Read more>>

Arielle Schmidt | Thai Yoga Therapy Practitioner

Balancing work and personal life has always been a challenge, especially as an entrepreneur. When you’re running your own business, you’re essentially involved in every aspect, from marketing and networking to payroll and scheduling. It often feels like there’s an endless list of tasks demanding your attention. When I first embarked on my journey with Tranquility Rising, I can honestly say there was no semblance of balance whatsoever. At that time, I was already employed full-time, clocking in more than 60 hours a week as a corrections officer. Yet, I was determined to lay the foundation for my business’s success, so I kept my job while also taking on clients on the side to build up my venture. Read more>>

Julie Labanz | Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

In some ways this has gotten harder and in others, easier. When you own your own business, your brain never fully stops thinking about it: what marketing could I be doing? What people should I be reaching? Am I getting enough clients? The list goes on. I learned from a former boss the value of creating intentional space to turn off work and be unavailable, unapologetically. I’ve learned to keep certain business hours and stick to them. I do not respond to messages on the weekends or while on vacation to ensure that boundaries are maintained. This helps me to fully decompress from work and fully enjoy my life when the day is done or the weekend arrives. Read more>>