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.

Brandon Vogts

My rule is that everything—business or personal—goes on the calendar. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. One of the challenging aspects about work-life balance as a business owner is that even when you set office hours or other structured routines, there will always be necessary activities that fall outside those hours. The ability to visualize how my time is being reserved and spent allows me to recognize opportunities for better efficiency, or simply realize that I might be overbooking myself. I don’t get “paid time off” the way a W-2 employee does, so if I block off time for a vacation and a work opportunity comes. Read More>>

Sophie Marita Bach

Finding balance is something I’ve learned to prioritize more and more over time, especially as an actor, where your schedule is rarely consistent. There are periods of total intensity, long days on set, auditions at the last minute; but also stretches where things slow down. You end up having to create your own structure, both in your work life and in your personal life. That’s why creating structure in my day, even when I’m not working, has become really important to me. Read More>>

Alesandra Álvarez

To be honest, balance is something I still struggle with. Especially because my work tends to be so intense and all-consuming when I’m in the middle of a project. When I’m filming, for example, I don’t even have time to read, write, or really hang out with friends. Everything goes into the work, and I love that focus—but then, when it ends, it’s like everything I’ve put aside comes rushing back at once, and it’s hard to find my balance again. Read More>>