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?

Todd Larson

It took me a long time to understand how harmful over working was. Ambition and achievement were leading values. After some intense difficulties with my health I’m learning to be more present. And to take life as it unfolds. I sense greater fulfillment in my work and more consistent output. Read More>>

Austin Connoyer

Work life balance has always been a big factor in how I create my workflows. Even at the beginning of my business, I tried to follow the old adage of work smarter, not harder. Now at the beginning I did have to work harder to figure out how to work smarter and a lot of that came from getting experience! When I moved out to Colorado from St. Louis, I made it a point to spend as much time as possible learning how to cut down the hours of my workflow. I’ve seen so many photographers working until late in the night and getting burnt out by taking a crazy amount of weddings. Read More>>

Natalie Kerr

I don’t believe in waiting for the weekends to enjoy my life! As best as I can, I try to engage in both work and things that make me happy every day, so that my life feels balanced and fulfilling. I’m very lucky that my work as a storytelling photographer is so gratifying though, because I find pleasure in getting to be creative and connect deeply with clients every day. If I have to work late at night or on the weekends, it really doesn’t bother me, because I’m doing what I love! Exploring a new coffee shop or having a great playlist on doesn’t hurt either! Read More>>

Michelle Hagood

I am very protective of my time. I used to not be. When I was a wedding coordinator, I remember at the beginning of my career I took real pride in working late and putting in the overtime hours. Any passion projects, like writing or art, I had to sneak in between this or that. I often joked that my creative life was my mistress. It wasn’t fun for very long. When I stretched myself in so many directions and then don’t do the things that recharged or filled me with joy, it really impacted my mental health. Read More>>

Michelle Rosinski

Balance has been a moving target for me. I’ve always been a driven, goal-oriented person — constantly striving, constantly pushing toward the next thing. And while that mindset has served me well in many ways, it can also push me toward burnout.

When I was unemployed, I actually worked harder than ever — trying to prove something to myself, trying to figure out my next move, trying to build something meaningful out of the unknown. I did manage to make some beautiful memories with my kids during that time, but I was also constantly exhausted. Read More>> 

Jeremy Pape

“Mannn… when I was in my 20s, all I did was work, dude. Like—I was out there grindin’ like a raccoon in a dumpster full’a Red Bulls. I didn’t have nothin’ else goin’ on. No girlfriend, no dog, no group texts, no hobbies… just me, my hustle, and probably a microwave burrito I forgot to eat. And honestly? It was fun. Felt like I was doin’ somethin’. Like I had some kinda invisible badge on my chest that said, ‘He stays busy.’ Read More>>