The Coronavirus has given many us an opportunity to pause and think about life, our purpose, and even the right work life balance. What’s your perspective and has it changed over time?

Brooke Confer | Wedding + Elopement Photographer

My work life balance has changed a ton since I started my business 6 years ago. When I first started, I took any and every inquiry that came my way. It was what I needed to do at the time to get experience and get my name out there, but I learned over time that it wasn’t sustainable. I found myself getting burnt out every year and I couldn’t understand why, because this job is a dream! I’ve learned that I can’t give my best to my clients if I’m stretched too thin, so now I do my best to take on projects that I’m excited about, and try to work with clients that I click really well with. Read more>>

Keisha Mathes | Chief Herbalist

Over time my balance has shifted so that I can be more present with my family and myself. I used to work countless hours a week, but now I am more intentional with my time. It takes less time to complete tasks and projects when you are specific and directed. I had to reconfigure how I do business so that business wasn’t all I had time for. Balance is one of the keys to success. If you aren’t getting what you need your business and family will ultimately suffer. Read more>>

Christa Caputa | Doctor of Chinese Medicine- Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Integrative Medicine Practitiiner

Much like a pendulum, balance is not achieved and then ours forever. Much like self-actualization, or being an entrepreneur, doing something you are meant to do and also scraping out a living. I never had balance. Particularly my generation being a little girl. I grew up with a very fiscally serious Dad. A financial planner, fiscal Republican (until that ideal tanked just like most parties). No separatism here. Read more>>

Goman Hira | Producer, Audio Engineer, 3D Visual Artist, Graphic Designer

In terms of work life balance, I feel one must understand that the slopes are always changing. In order to be successful, one must be mutable. Read more>>

Mary Beth Eversole | Performer, Filmmaker, & Eduprenuer

I used to work to live. It nearly killed me. I was constantly overscheduling myself, thinking I had to physically work the hours to get the results. This led to my body shutting down, me constantly being ill, and putting us in financial straits because of all of the medical debt- which is counterintuitive to having a successful business. Finally, after years of pain, illness, mental anguish, and eventually realizing I had to slow down or die, I learned to work smarter and not harder. Read more>>

Jillian Gordon | Health & Wellness Coach | Yoga Teacher

My views on work-life balance has changed a lot over the years. In my 20’s I ran myself into the ground trying to have it all. It lead to my diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder, as well as anxiety and depression. Instead of listening to my body and mind, I pushed myself to the brink. I was working full-time while dedicating my weekends to my art and candle making business. Unfortunately, I was also in a very toxic marriage that would eventually lead to divorce. At the time it was complete devastation, but looking back it was the exact path I was meant to follow. Read more>>

Karla Monagas | Paramedical Aesthetician

Thank you so much for allowing to touch on this topic. ¿How has my balance changed over time? It has entirely fully changed! When I begin my entrepreneurship journey, I had one child that was already in school full-time, giving me the time to invest in my education and obtain my new licensing. From there my desire to be a business owner grew deeper, and that began the beginning of a healthy work And life balance. Read more>>

Belinda Swanson | Esthetician

Maintaining a work life balance starts with boundaries to help reduce my stress & prevent life burnout. Since starting my own business this has been my main priority for my self care. I love to check off to do lists, I prioritize exercise and make time to relax. I love that I have the flexibility to make my own schedule to do things I enjoy. I believe work-life balance is important in business to help lower levels of stress, sickness and help increase competitiveness and productivity, boost mental health & improve customer service. Read more>>

Kathryn Samaltanos | Yoga Instructor, Artist, Teacher & Co-Director, Seed Studio

I find that my work life balance is a practice that I have to be mindful of on a daily basis. I wish I could say that over time I have mastered this art, but I there are still have to remind myself to stop checking emails at the end of the day. I have learned that it requires healthy boundaries and a deep sense of knowing that when my needs are met I will be better prepared to meet the needs of Seed Studio. Read more>>