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.

Alex Cazet | Saxophonist & Composer

It has been a lifelong learning process and I’m sure it will continue to be that way. When you choose an artistic career, I think you have to accept that you are living to work, not so much working to live. Often the line gets blurred between what is “work” and what is “life,” so creating balance is challenging. I think I have gotten better at it with age. I now understand that self-care is actually part of my job. If I don’t take time for myself, my work suffers. So my quality of work depends on my quality of life Read more>>

Hannah Basler | Wedding + Senior Photographer

In the beginning of my business, I was young and in school and wanted to grow as fast as I could. I was booking everyone I knew and working as hard as I could to become a great photographer in the area. This did not last for very long, as I got burned out after about a year. I took off about seven months from social media and took significantly less sessions to live as a kid and enjoy my time with my family and friends. I found myself spending too much time working instead of being a kid like my age group. It has now lead me to know a great work life balance and not get burned out. Read more>>

Jake Burchmore | Photographer/Filmmaker

Similar to balancing school and play, I’ve been balancing work and play simultaneously. To me, the meaning of life is to play. To find something you like to do and learn how to express yourself in a creative way. With that comes a responsibility to work hard in order to fulfill those pure moments of life. Growing up in Telluride, CO taught me the importance of the environment as I became more engaged in outdoor recreation. Skiing has always been my outlet from the mundane of school/work; however, Read more>>

Tristan Hess | Designer & Educator

A few years ago I became very invested in trail running. I would go out almost every day, running anywhere between 4-10 miles. Everytime I went out, it was this race in my head. How fast can I go? Will I be faster than yesterday? If I take the day off, am I lazy? I felt like I had to rush through the run and always get faster. I remember running the trails and getting to the sections that were very scenic. Instead of stopping to enjoy the moment to take in the view, I would let the race against time and progression win. Read more>>

Nell Lindquist | Owner, Timberline Leadville

As I’ve grown in my career and created ventures I’m interested in, I work more but have a much better balance because I enjoy it. I feel more fulfilled and less burnt out by my day-to-day, so I am less starved for a break. Even with this, though, your brain still needs a rest! One of my favorite things about living in the mountains is that I can very quickly get out int eh woods and feel very, very far from my computer. Read more>>

Steve O | Travel Photographer

Finding balance between work and life is a continual effort. We do not necessarily have to sacrifice one to make room for the other but, instead, find harmony between them both. It is important to build time into our day that is focused on ourselves and our own interests. Additionally, I’m lucky enough to have my family as an incredibly strong support system, who are also some of my favorite travel companions! Taking advantage of their willingness to come with me helps me turn work situations into fun trips that everyone can enjoy together. Overall, striking the right balance between work and life can be a challenge but it’s far from impossible. Read more>>

Jenna Markl | Culinary Nutritionist

Balance has been important to me for as long as I can recall; however, the idea of work life balance was not always on my radar. In the beginning of my culinary career, I think I just assumed that the work would be all-consuming and demanding. The first thing people pointed out were the nights, weekends, and holidays required in the industry. As a young and independent person, I was naïve enough to think that as long as I’m working and MAKING money then I don’t have to worry about going out spending it, thus still affording rent. Read more>>