By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Marco Dapper | Artist

Well as a self employed artist, one has to be ok with the ebbs and flows of productivity. we are at the mercy of many different variables since it’s not a steady flow of income. Sometimes it will be 6 months of nonstop work, but then it can become quiet for a long period of time. I like to believe that the quiet times in my productivity aren’t a negative thing but a positive one given to me by the universe. To balance me. So instead of worrying and dwelling, I go on a vacation or focus on some other part of my life. Such as physical or mental health. Gives time to check in with yourself. Read more>>

Carla Cackowski | Improviser, Writer, and Director

I’ve discovered over the years that it’s vital for me to have a creative practice that I’m not trying to monetize. Because I’m constantly putting effort into making money as a performer and writer and director, I also need to create things that have no value to anyone but me. There was a run of years when I was younger where all the art that I did was an attempt to “level up” in my career. It burnt me out and I didn’t want to do anything but sleep. Then I taught myself how to play guitar and suddenly I had the energy and inspiration to put back into the creative career I wanted to build. Read more>>

Leslie Rodriguez | Content Creator | Corporate Girlie

I definitely like to go by my mood and energy, which I check in with regularly throughout the day. I’ve found that as I’ve gained more experience, I’m better at setting my schedule to align with my peak energy times—I’m a morning person, so I tackle my heaviest tasks early on and taper off as the day goes by. Over time, I’ve realized the importance of not pushing too hard beyond my limits, allowing me to be productive without burning out. Read more>>

Johnny David Flores | Bassist, singer/songwriter

Although sometimes it’s hard for me to take as much time to dedicate to my music as I would like, my job does afford me a lot of room. I drive a high school bus. When I’m on field trips or sports trips, I can take a guitar and work on my music as I’m waiting for my students. It also doesn’t hurt that I’m in a school bus singing my songs while I’m on my live sometimes. It provides an interesting backdrop for my fans! In the summer time and over holidays I’m available to tour or play gigs out of town. Finally, my boss has always been really supportive of artistic pursuits. If there is ever a conflict, she usually tries to be as accommodating as possible. Read more>>

Dimitri Kanellias | Jeweler / Sculptor

I think about this often. As an artist, your livelihood is tied to your passion, which can make it both exciting and overwhelming. When I first graduated, I burned myself out by taking on every project that came my way while also working a full-time job in the same craft. I’d push myself to the limit, thinking breaks or stepping away would help—but I realized that even then, I still had the urge to create. The issue was I wasn’t working on the projects I truly wanted to. Now, when I’m working on commissions or other people’s projects, I make it a point to pause and create freely. Read more>>

Shaowen Liang | Graphic Designer

My work-life balance has changed a lot over the years. Back in college, I was all about studying and working, barely leaving my room unless it was for class. That kind of routine took a toll on my social life and mental well-being. Now, I’ve learned to make space for things outside of work. I make time to hang out with friends, try out new cafes and restaurants, go skateboarding, swim, and even play tennis. These activities help me relax and bring a fresh mindset to my work. It’s made a big difference in keeping both my career and personal life enjoyable. Read more>>

Baizhuan Webber Wan

As a filmmaker and cinematographer, I have to say that discussing work-life balance is one of the most debated topics today. For many of us, to grow or improve in our craft, we have to treat life as part of our work—or sometimes, our work becomes our life. What do I mean by this? A good film respects its audience. It doesn’t underestimate or overlook them. This respect comes through the story, visuals, and attention to detail. To achieve this, we need to constantly draw inspiration from life and observe the world around us. Whether it’s walking through the city, eating at a restaurant, or hiking in the park, we’re always gathering ideas from daily life. Read more>>

Andrés Mejía Plazas

I still have an issue with feeling a bit of guilt when I’m not doing something productive, and at the same time I also struggle with procrastinating quite a lot. Considering that my job is filmmaking, I’ve realized that my middle point in that is watching a movie from my watchlist because it’s both a leisure and it also feels productive somehow. Probably because sometimes I watch a movie and I just feel the urge to get up and make one, but also because to expand my knowledge in film history by watching the classics feels like it’s a learning experience. Read more>>

Morgan + Frankie

Balance…this is not something that comes easily and 100% something we have to strive for everyday. Especially when you’re a small business owner…the line between work and life becomes blurred. Even more so in today’s world when being tired, stretched too thin and over extended equals success. The stress of “if I’m not exhausted then I’m not working hard enough” is real! It has taken a long time to learn that achieving balance is important not only to success but to achieving an overall satisfaction in life. Read more>>

Jordan Rumsey

I am a full time college student and so balancing my work on social media, as well as selling on platforms mixed in with school can be tough. I normally try to get all my schooling done during the day and then I have nights free to work on what I might post or editing content. Since I started social media, it has become more and more work, but I feel I am balancing out pretty well. School comes first and I graduate this May so then I can focus on creating content for a while. Read more>>

Jennifer Solares

Work-life balance can change significantly over time based on various factors, such as job demands, personal responsibilities, and life stages. It often starts off feeling manageable, but as responsibilities grow—like New responsibilities, family changes, or new commitments—it can become more challenging. Read more>> 

Sari Karplus

When you’re a creative type, work-life balance is a perpetual tug-of-war. Once you add kids to the mix, the game changes… to an adorably challenging hug-of-war. You know, how the people who hug you most win your time, energy, and attention? But given all of life’s challenges, I’m here to tell you that some form of balance is, in fact, attainable. Read more>>