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.

Sage Polaris | Copywriter to the Stars and Marketing Strategist

When I first started my copywriting business, I quickly became my own worst boss. I would have given anything for my business to succeed so I put in a lot of hours and even brought my laptop on vacation. I could tell it hurt my husband’s feelings so I vowed to stop doing that. I think it’s natural to want to give anything for your business to succeed and nothing is in balance. Now that I’m 10 years into my business I am able to take 4 months off every year for the 7th year in a row. I started off slow in the beginning with fun Fridays where I would take one day a week off. Then I started to think about what systems I could put in place to take even more time off. My project manager really supported me in coming up with the plan for more time off and now it’s a natural part of how I create more balance in my life. Read more>>

Jordan Ann Martone | Freelance Violinist & Contractor

Work life balance has always been of incredible importance to me in my life. As a freelance musician, it is nearly impossible to find balance unless you actively work on it and make it an intentional priority. It’s easy to get caught up in a lot of work and neglect self-care, friendships, etc. I am certainly not the master of balance, but it is something I deeply value. I first became aware of balance while growing up as a kid in the theatre, where balance does not exist! I thrive on being busy and having work to do. But when I have a weekend of no work, rather than freaking out about it like I used to, Read more>>

Brooke Huggins | Background Artist & 2D Animator

For the majority of my life, it was basically nonexistent. Being put in advanced classes since middle school meant homework was constantly given and it wouldn’t be finished until 12am that same day. That meant less sleep going into school the next day and sometimes resulting in running off of 4 hours of sleep. I finally got the chance to slow down once I got into college. More time to myself with less strenuous assignments meant that I could have time to relax. Read more>>

Jess Ackerman | Artist

My balance is horrible. In every sense of the word, haha. Being an addict, I will 100% live/breathe/hyper-obsess on my ‘thing’. Thankfully, I am 6 years sober from substances now, but the addict is still worming its way into other facets. When I had a structured day job, it was easier to have balance. I was still a work-aholic, but there was the act of clocking out. Living as a ‘working artist’ (and any self employed person) there is no clocking out. It’s just always on the mind. I continue to try and create a healthier structure but I can never seem to stick to it. It’s 14 hr studio days till 2am or bust. Read more>>

Danielle Jensen | Hair and Makeup Artist

I used to put work first and now over time I put myself first. I only come in when I have clients, I take vacations with my wife, I won’t come in on my days off. Creating heathy boundaries are key to a successful career. Read more>>

Jonisha Garcia- Lindsey | Mom & Entrepreneur

I have always been long winded and worked exceptionally hard at whatever goal I set for myself but things changed during the pandemic and after becoming a mom. I realized that it is possible to be successful and give time to the people and things I love. After becoming a mom to my son, Jahvonne, I implemented boundaries in my life with friends, work and all other responsibilities so that I can be the mother Jah needs me to be. I’ve learned that motherhood is tough and requires a level of patience and mental stamina that I never had so for me that meant utilizing my energy in an intentional and necessary way. Read more>>

Meredith Ryness | Home Organizer and KonMari Consultant®

I have had jobs since high school and love to work. I’ve worked at restaurants and retail stores and even as a performer at Disneyland. Once I had kids, my perspective on working outside the home drastically shifted. Motherhood (especially that first time around!) was all consuming for me and I was left at the end of the day with very little creative and physical energy. We ended up having 3 kids in New York City between 2009 and 2014 and life was wonderful and chaotic. I loved being a mom but also missed the creativity and energy that a workplace can bring. Read more>>

Catia Ojeda | Actor & Writer

Well, nothing changes your work/life balance like becoming a parent! I have 2 kids, born in 2014 and 2018. I have found that being a mom has made me a better artist, despite having less time for myself. Obviously, there are plenty of times when I wish I had more time to work on this audition or flesh out this idea, but most of the timeI like having limited time to work. It forces me to concentrate harder on the task at hand and it allows me to cut out the unnecessary noise. It’s a gift to work well under pressure! Read more>>

Aylya Marzolf | Actor, Model, health & planet enthusiast

When I started out aspiring to make a living in front of the camera, I was fully in the mindset of always being on the grind, of making modeling and acting my whole life. Every day, every second needed to be working on modeling and acting. But then as the years went by, and I had my beautiful son Cassius, I realized that I had been doing it all wrong. Yes, you’ve got to work on your technique and pay attention to where you want your career to go, but honestly I was missing the part that brought richness to my work. Read more>>

Vanessa Ramirez | Hairstylist, Aqua Extensions Educator, & VLHC salon/ suite owner

I feel there is no such thing as a work life balance . I think you have to put your whole self into your work so you can create the life you want to live. I knew opening my own salon the hours would get longer & the days off would be sparse. I also know it won’t always be like this. I am setting up my future life I want to live. Read more>>

Travis McDonald | Coinfully CEO

“Seeking balance” has become the core tenant of how I organize my life. Balance is the perfect ideal to aim for, and when things inevitably start to drift, a simple reminder of what we are seeking is all it takes. In a land of extremes like LA, it is so easy to fall into the “all gas, no brakes” lifestyle, especially as a newly minted entrepreneur. Prior to the pandemic, burning the candle at both ends was the only way I knew how to operate. I was Director of Operations for a 100-year-old numismatic powerhouse at the time. Familiar story…long hours, taking your work home with you, never stopping. Read more>>