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.

Leonard Anderson | Professional Headshot & Editorial Photographer

When I started out in photography, I took almost all jobs because I didn’t know what I wanted to focus on. It often meant doing photoshoots and fashion shows after my full-tim job and and on the weekends. It left little time to spend with my family. I was trying to establish myself in the Denver Fashion scene and thought that in the end the long hours would pay off. I found that I was getting burned out and not producing the best work that I could. Read more>>

Alyssum Hutchison | Family Photographer

When my business first took off, I was a generalist and didn’t turn down a single job inquiry. This allowed me to serve many people well, and in turn I have been blessed with wonderful referrals upon which I’ve built a profitable, successful business. However as my business continued to grow, I was overworking myself, sacrificing time with my family, and taking jobs where my heart really was not. My work-life balance was completely out of whack and I was missing my family badly. Read more>>

Robert Gray | Artist, Teacher, and Leader

When I was younger, I distinctly kept hard boundaries between my non creative and art time from the rest of my life. Now that I am older and much wiser, creativity and art is a way of being for me. The way I speak to others, the tone of voice, even the pattern in my steps. Read more>>

Amanda Gotschall | Physical Therapist

Finding balance in work and life requires boundaries and the ability to say “no”. Early on building my physical therapy practice, I would say “yes” to every single patient and request to help someone in pain. But always saying “yes” meant losing self-care or time with my family. I was treating patients at nights, on the weekend, and during my sacred work out time. It was great to build my business, and the stability in the practice allows me to focus on spending more time with my husband three kids. I am learning to balance my work, home, and childcare responsibilities. Read more>>

Zach Jenkins | Podcast Host

I used to dedicate myself 110% to my profession. I was a manager at a small building supply store. I took so much pride in my work. Often, I would choose the needs of my store over my own (or my families) needs. As my children have gotten older, I’ve realized there are more important things than work. I’m making sure to spend more time with my family as well as focusing on self care. That’s a huge reason for starting the 12 Hike Podcast. It was a major mental health booster for me. Read more>>

Kandra Becerra | Pediatric Sleep Specialist & Mom to 2 Boys

A byproduct that has come from starting my sleep business has been my passion for a work life balance. Operating a business out of my house with 2 little boys running around has been such a blessing. But it also taught me very early on that if I did not have clear boundaries around work and personal life, then I couldn’t give everything I have to my clients, and my family. Read more>>

Guy Duplantier | Podcast host, purveyor of outdoor gear and heavy civil manager

I don’t really look at things in terms of being on or off balance. How driven are you to get where you want to be? What life do you want to provide for your family? What will your legacy be? These are a few of the questions I weigh in on. I can grind for 10 hours a day to make sure the lights are on and foods on the table and make soccer or football practice to support my kids, go home eat said food, take care of my nightly chores and spend time with the Mrs. It comes down to commitment. Read more>>