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.

Mackenzie Li | XR Developer & Creative Technologist

Over time, I’ve learned to better separate my work and personal life. Initially, it was a struggle to step away from my professional work—I used to work non-stop up until 2 years ago. However, the support from my teammates and friends has been transformative. Read more>> 

Connie and Jakki | Wee Monster Founders

Our work life balance has changed extremely over time. In the beginning, we would hustle everyday, 12-15 hour work days. We’d say yes to every opportunity. We’d have a pop up most weekends, mixed in with trade shows and production in between. However, nowadays, we’ve learned to balance our life and our priorities. Read more>>

Nikki Leeper | Wearer of Many Artistic Hats (mostly beanies)

I think it’s really hard for creatives to have a firm work/life balance, for so many of us I think our work feels like our life. In my own practice, the inspiration to work comes in waves. I can go for a week working 12+ hour days in my studio and then not even go through the studio door for the rest of the month, and I felt a lot of shame about that for a long time. Read more>>

Hannah Antalek | Artist

On days that I get to be in the studio without interruption, my dog needing to go for a walk is the only way I remember to take a break. In addition to my art practice, I work at a gallery full-time as a curator and exhibition manager – so, admittedly, I am not very good at having a work/life balance.  Read more>>

Takura Suzuki | Artist & Full time art assistant

As an artist, I view art as a part of life. In fact, my work-life balance hasn’t changed since my student days. Back then, it was art and rugby; now it’s art and a full-time job. The content may have changed, but the need to deeply commit to two things remains unchanged. Read more>>

Vanessa Dinh | Graphic Designer & Multidisciplinary Artist

As someone who wears many hats and juggles a lot between my work and my creative practices/hobbies, balance is always something I’m dancing with. When I was in college, I was fortunate enough to not have to worry too much about working, so I was able to focus on my studies and relax on the weekends. Read more>>

Lauren McCann | Actor, Mother, Filmmaker, Writer, Director

I am constantly balancing .. or juggling a number of things. My two kids and their schedules, keeping my family home running, writing the feature to my 1st short Girl Boxer (www.girlboxermovie.com), promoting my 2nd short Ms. Pink (www.mspinkpilot.com) which is just starting its festival rounds, auditioning, taking classes and training for marathons…. whew! Coffee helps! Read more>>

Danell teNyenhuis Black | Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Work-life balance has always been important to me. Since becoming a counselor, I have understood the impact it can have if work overtakes one’s life. Every day, I listen to other people’s trauma, and I have to be able to set that aside at the end of the day.  Read more>>

Amy Goldberg | Producer / Writer & Entrepreneur

Great question. There have been so many varying thoughts around work life balance and what exactly it is, that ironically it can cause more stress just trying to define whether we are balanced or not! In fact, guilt plays a factor in this whole thing.  Read more>>

Robyn Greene Arrington | Writer. Producer. Director. Podcaster. Creative Executive. Creative Counsultant/Advisor.

I remember when I first heard the concept of work-life balance at the start of my professional career. I understood it superficially. But, like life, it has been a decades-long journey for me to embrace and employ it. Read more>>