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.

Geoffrey Skrajewski | Visual Artist

When your passion aligns with your work, the boundaries between work and life start to blur. There was never a task too daunting or irrelevant for me. I always believed that even if I didn’t know how to do something and it might consume a considerable amount of time, it was never a waste. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity for personal growth and learning, a valuable facet of life. Even today, I continue to relish these learning experiences, but I also appreciate the moments of respite when I can disconnect from my computer and explore alternative sources of inspiration. Read more>>

Karina Bromberg | Professional Dancer, Choreographer and Director

Over time, the way I balance my life has changed and evolved as my responsibilities and pursuits have grown. Juggling a professional dance career, directing and producing shows, being a full-time university student, holding a 9-5 job, and prioritizing gym and mental health requires thorough planning on my part. To manage it all, I plan everything. I write all my deadlines, meetings, and other commitments in my phone, computer, and a planner that I write in. Seeing all my commitments helps me figure out what’s most important and when to do things. It makes me feel less stressed because I know what needs to be done and when, and instills a calmness, knowing that I am organized and prepared. Read more>>

Carrie Levine | Nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and author

The concept of balance flew out the window for me with the birth of my son. I was a breast-feeding midwife mama with student loans to pay and I did what I had to do to pay off the debt, meet my work obligations, and show up for my kids. I “only” worked four days a week, but was on call for weeks at a time, and would have days at a time that I did not make it home. The days I was not working were spent tending to my family and my home. With the birth of my second child, I reduced my clinic days to 3 days a week because I learned caring for home was a full time job, too. Someone had to tend to the kids, their needs, the cleaning, the bills, the shopping, the cooking, etc. Read more>>

Isaias Badilla | Actor & Filmmaker

Finding a balance is very challenging, especially in our profession. I have to pay rent and food first, those are the basic needs that I must meet in order to thrive. I think the most important thing for me is time and how I use it, it’s truly precious. Before and after work I have some free time and even if I am tired I always make sure I am being productive in one way or another, from watching a film to reading a book or even just resting for the show I have the next day. Prioritizing my needs and making sure those are aligned with the goals that I have. Bussing tables isn’t my passion, but I’ve found it very helpful to find some of it in it. Read more>>

Soorin Kim | Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Singer-Songwriter

I’ve reached a point in my life where I take work a lot more seriously. Venturing into my 20s now, my career has become an aspect of life to pay most of my attention to, and inevitably so. Then, I realized the importance of the infamous ‘work-life balance’, and I think it’s just universally, a notoriously difficult, adult thing. I’m still figuring it out myself. However, I noticed some significant changes in my life and my perspective that has been helping with that. I’ve been re-evaluating the values in my life, as well as my priorities, and most importantly, relationships. I’m still pretty young, with a lot more life ahead of me. But I’ve been lucky to come to terms with the fact this early on, that people really come and go, and opportunities, too. Knowing my priorities was my first step; what do I truly want in life? Read more>>

Jess Hopkins | Personal and Professional High Performance Coach

Since opening my coaching practice nearly 15 years ago, the way I have understood and experienced balance has changed many times over. From waiting tables on the side while earning my first coaching certification, to attending night school to earn a masters degree in counseling psychology and commuting across the country to earn a second masters degree in applied positive psychology, to starting a family and raising two young kids– all while building my business and serving my clients– it’s safe to say that my energy has been pulled in many, often competing directions at the same time. The reality is that there is no “perfect balance” because our goals, needs, desires and responsibilities continue to shift as we progress through various stages of life. Read more>>

FANGFANG HAN | Illustrator

I previously worked in a high-paced work environment, providing fashion design solutions to clients. I often found myself on the move. Although I enjoy interacting with a diverse array of people and sharing experiences, I rarely have time for my personal growth. My focus revolved around ensuring client satisfaction at work and indulging in the trappings of a so-called high-quality life outside of it, often linked to consumerism. Work took precedence, and my own well-being was often overlooked over time, my perspective on work-life balance has transformed especially during Covid. I’ve grown to recognize the value of dedicating more time to meaningful pursuits, like quality time with family and friends, self-care and particularly my passion for illustration. Read more>>

Joe Gamble | Guitarist, Content Creator, Educator

I’m fortunate that everything I’m involved in (from money earning activities to my private life) are things that I have chosen and am grateful to have in my life. That being said, I’m basically redlined every day in terms of commitments and work so I’m continually attempting to upgrade my skills in the realms of time and emotional management. In the past I ran my life more like a sprinter where I’d max myself out until I’d burn out. These days I’m working much more within a marathon runner’s paradigm where I’m pacing myself and setting myself up more for long-term wins. Of course it’s a continual challenge and I screw it up all the time but I’m definitely enjoying it more and it probably makes me more pleasant to be around. Read more>>