Meet Enid Portuguez | Writer, Editor, and Director, Communications & Events at the Writers Guild Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Enid Portuguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Enid, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
In the first decade of my career, the concept of “work life balance” wasn’t something I thought I needed to achieve. It was all about the hustle: “work hard, play hard” was definitely a motto that I heard a lot while coming up in media and entertainment at the time. As work and my social life intertwined for me, I didn’t notice how much my career consumed my life until I left media in 2010 to go to grad school.

Over time, I’ve adopted a more holistic approach to work and life. They still intertwine because how we live impacts how we do anything else. But now, I center my health (both physical and mental) and prioritize my time with the people and experiences that bring me joy. Work is still important but it’s not THE most important thing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my almost 20-year career (whoa) as a writer, editor, and communications professional, my experience has run the gamut across various industries, from media and entertainment to law and international relations. I’m most proud that I’ve been able to pivot and follow my curiosities as I traversed through collapsing economic markets, existential crises, and city relocations.

A lot of career advice is spent around “following your passion,” but I feel there’s as much value in following one’s curiosities. It’s allowed me to gain skills in areas that I never expected and meet people from so many different backgrounds. I’ve learned so much more while trying new things than I would have by following a traditional path. As scary as it may seem at the time, staying open to new experiences continues to help me find fulfillment in my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If one of my best friends was visiting Los Angeles for a week, I would start with a day on the beach in Malibu followed by dinner and drinks at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. The week would include hikes through Topanga Canyon and Griffith Park, catching a comedy show at The Comedy Store or Largo, shopping on Abbot Kinney in Venice, and an evening picnic/movie at Cinespia at Hollywood Forever. In between those activities, we’d be eating our way across the city: al pastor tacos at Leos, korean BBQ in K-town, burritos at Sonoratown, cacio e pepe pizza at Pizzana, and sushi at Yamashiro.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to my parents and my best friends who’ve supported, guided, and encouraged me to follow my gut and pursue my curiosities.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enidportuguez/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/enidrocks

Image Credits
Kira VandenBrande Michael Lynn Jones for WGAW