Meet Chelsea Pierotti | University Instructor | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Pierotti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
To me, the idea of work life balance is going about it the wrong way. It’s impossible. But not because it’s impossible to balance, but because I don’t believe they should be in opposition to each other. The phrase “work-life balance” implies these two things are sitting on opposite sides of a scale. And in order to be happy, you have to figure out how to keep these two things balanced every minute of every day. When the scales slightly tip one way or the other, you feel guilt, shame, and a sense of failure. I spent years in this trap. Every time I had to cancel on a friend because I had to spend the night working, or every time I had to tell my husband I wouldn’t be home in time for dinner because I was studying… I felt guilty. I felt ashamed of my work because it was taking away from other things that I love. But why do we feel shame for doing something that makes us happy? Especially when I became a mom, the shame and guilt were pretty strong. How can I go enjoy myself at work all day and not see my toddler? What kind of mother am I?!? And when I’m working, I definitely struggled to enjoy myself and have fun with my students. I should be missing my little one at home. We put so much pressure on ourselves to achieve this mythical balance, and when we can’t do it (because… we can’t) we feel like a failure. “I should be able to do this. Other people have figured this out, what is wrong with me?” Here’s my opinion: it’s not about work-life balance, but WORK-LIFE BLEND. Your work is a part of your life! It’s not sitting on the opposite side of the scale. If you feel good about one side the other side is NOT being neglected. Whatever you define as your work, be it a traditional day job, part-time, stay-at-home-mom life, etc. that work is not in opposition to your “life.” What goes in that category anyway? Self-care, time with friends, social time with family. I believe my “work” includes my work in the home, and my “life” includes my passion for work. It’s a blend. What I do at work is a big part of my life. It’s a part of who I am and it doesn’t take away from how I experience my life. There is no shame in failing at work-life balance because that balance doesn’t exist. You only fail when you let others control your calendar and don’t make clear choices about how you spend your time. If working is a part of your life, it’s one category. Give it the time it deserves when it makes you happy, don’t feel guilty when it takes time away from other things. It’s your life and your choice to spend time in your work. But always step back and see the big picture. If you’re unhappy with how you spent your time lately, take control and make new choices!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a university instructor and I absolutely love teaching. I think like most teachers, I’m in it for the students and I love the relationships I can build. I don’t take it for granted that I have the opportunity to offer advice and guidance in the same way I was blessed to receive it during that phase of life. My path to this career wasn’t a straight line or an easy road, but I’m grateful for every opportunity along the way because I learned what truly makes me happy, inspires me, and keeps me motivated. Because of that self-exploration, I was able to build a career around my passions, and now I’m blessed with a job I love. A few years ago I created my own business teaching sport psychology to dancers, giving back to the world of dance that I love so much, and bringing light to the mental side of the sport. Starting my own business I learned a lot about myself and that anything is truly possible with grit and a growth mindset. One of the biggest lessons I learned is now something I tell my students and the dancers I work with… You don’t have to have it all figured out or know exactly what you want in the end. It’s a journey, keep following what makes you happy, pursue the aspects in life that fill you with joy and the right career and balance in life will come. There’s a lot of pressure on college students and young professionals to have a life plan and I don’t think that’s fair or necessary. Plans change, and you should enjoy the experiences along the way. Set big goals, work hard, and continue to pursue your dreams while allowing for personal growth during the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a Boulder native and I’ve never lived far away so I would certainly visit Chautauqua Park, hike Mt. Sanitas, go for a beer at some local breweries, and enjoy the shops at Pearl St. I love going out for breakfast and some of my favorites include Tangerine, Lucilles, and Huckleberry. If it’s a date night, or a night out with my friends, I love Bito Bistro or any wine tasting event. If we got a weekend getaway, I love mountain towns like Estes Park, Breckenridge, and Winter Park

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Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am forever grateful to my doctoral mentor, the woman who guided me through my Ph.D. both academically and personally. Dr. Megan Stellino is a brilliant professor and I was so blessed to learn from her. Her real strength however, is her ability to care for her students as people first, and students second. I always felt like I could talk to her about my research, my teaching, or my personal life and she was there to guide and support me. Plus she was a pretty excellent role model for how to be a successful professor and a mom. I’m grateful I had that example right in front of me, so I always believed it was possible. Thank you, Megan!

Website: www.chelseapierotti.com

Instagram: @dr.chelsea.pierotti

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-pierotti

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchelseapierotti

Other: www.passionatecoach.com

Image Credits
Melissa Del Vecchio – Plum Pretty Photography (some images)