What’s the right balance between work and non-work time? The traditional 9-5 has slowly disappeared with the emails and zoom and texting going far beyond traditional business hours. We asked members of our community to share with us how they think about work-life balance.

Meghan Brock | Baker and Cookie Artist

When I first started my business, I felt like success was being busy all the time. It was very hard for me to turn any order request down no matter how full my schedule already was. I started feeling like I was too busy and no longer investing enough time into my family. I have learned that its okay to say that I’m booked. That also allows me to give my clients the absolute best quality I can because I have the time to invest in each of our custom orders. Read more>>

Simi Khabra | Cold Process Soapmaker & Owner of Muddy Mint

I’m 46 years old, and I’m finding that my work life balance has changed quite a bit over the years. As a 20-something, I was highly driven to make money and buy a house, so I worked a lot. As a software developer in Boulder, it was good work and I enjoyed it quite a bit. My weekends were usually filled with hikes and hanging out with friends, so I felt quite balanced at the time. I was good at what I did and felt validated at work. It was challenging and also fun. Without a family, there was plenty of “me” time, in addition to work, and I was still fresh and invigorated by it. Then, at the age of 31, I became a mom and everything changed. I had the luxury of being able to leave my career and stay home with my son, which is was really important to me, but eventually, I started to feel like my whole identity was wrapped up in being a mom and a wife and I started to lose my spark. I missed feeling good at something, because honestly… does anyone ever feel like a great parent? I mean, there are good days and bad days, but it’s hard work and it’s emotional work. Read more>>

Rachael Roumaya | Business Owner I Board & Brush Fort Collins and The Waffle Lab

I don’t believe there is such a thing as work life balance. It’s more of a pendulum- sometimes your business will require more time, more effort, more focus and other times home life takes a front seat. There is tremendous planning and intentionality that goes into ensuring your family and your business are loved and well taken care of. Read more>>

Alycia Scantland | Boutique Owner- Mångata

Balance, for me, really changes from day to day, week to week, year to year. Sometimes the balance is going all in for an extended time to really see my efforts pay off in a short span, then I rest or go on a trip for a little to recalibrate. Other times, balance is working all day and then coming home and completely logging off. Over the years, I’ve learned to prioritize my ‘me’ time just as much as work to avoid burnout. Even though I am fully passionate and in love with what I get to do as a job, it is still work and can become heavier than I can carry without the proper balance of rest and play. Read more>>