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.

Carter Lauren | Vocal Coach & Singer

Work/life balance is really important to me. I need to prioritize my own health and working for myself, I love that I’m able to make time for my own fitness. I workout 5-6 times a week which is essential for my mental health as well as my physical health. I also make a point to maintain my friendships. It’s easy to get lost in work – in LA, it’s easy to get burnt out with driving all over town, filling up the books with clients, etc. Read more>>

Alexander Moscozo | Background & Prop Designer

Animation is a challenging industry to enter, and that is especially true for someone like me changing careers. I have had to balance taking animation courses and workshops after a full-time job. The beginning of my journey was the most difficult for me. I would start my day at 4 am for work and got kicked out of Panera Bread at closing time trying to finish up animation assignments. Read more>>

Charlene Lanzel | Sand Animation Artist

Something I discovered, after starting my sand animation business, was that I needed to create a balance between working and taking time off to recover. In the beginning, I was taking almost every job that was offered to me. After awhile, I was really burnt out, exhausted and moody. I came to realize that taking a little time off between gigs was necessary to keep my creative juices flowing. Making money is great, but not at the expense of your physical and mental health. I like to get a massage, or go to the spa after each project is complete. A little treat for all of the hard work I’ve put in. Read more>>

Julianna Strickland | CEO & Founder of Space Camp Organizing

I spend a lot of time thinking about work life balance. Especially having a business in the home & emotional wellness space, it’s really important to me that I practice what I preach. I love to work and definitely have a tendency to overwork if I don’t make a concerted effort to stay balanced. The amazing thing though is how much better the quality of my work is when I’m balanced: Read more>>

Hao Wen (Claudia) Chung | Visual Designer

Prior to the Covid pandemic, the concept of achieving balance in my life was not something I had given much thought to. Like many individuals living in highly competitive cities, I was focused on pursuing my studies and career without much consideration for achieving a more harmonious lifestyle. However, when Covid hit, and lockdown measures were implemented, my daily routine was significantly disrupted, leaving me with little to do besides work, eat, and sleep. In the first month of lockdown, I worked for nearly 13 hours a day, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Read more>>

Drew Ernst | Fine Artist/Painter

Work life balance is interesting for an artist.Being an artist is so much a part of who I’am that the lines between life and work get blurred. The reality is you are always working in your head. It is important to take time away from the creative process. It’s in those moments that inspiration hits. Read more>>

Suzie Sandoval | ZEN Meditation Teacher, Sound Healer, Holistic Professional Organizer

A need for work-life harmony inspired my business after working in the corporate environment for over 10 years. Early into growing my business, I began interviewing women entrepreneurs in a YouTube Series called, “Redefining Success”. I had experienced success at a young age yet was not fulfilled or happy and couldn’t understand why. Read more>>