What’s the right work-life balance for you?

Our community is filled with hard-working, high achieving entrepreneurs and creatives and so work-life balance is a complicated, but highly relevant topic. We’ve shared some responses from the community about work life balance and how their views have evolved over time below.
In short, work-life balance is not an option, it is a priority. Work-life balance has a different meaning for everyone, and the first step we all must take is dedicating the necessary time to take a step back and truly analyze what it means to us and what we want out of LIFE first, and work second. I feel as though my career experience plays an important role in how I have learned, failed, grown, and failed again in this thought on “work-life balance”. Read more>>
I’ve learned that the idea of “work life balance” in the traditional sense that we’ve been taught is a myth. You can’t be successful in all areas of life, at the same time. The book “Settle Smarter” by Dana Look-Arimoto taught me this. At any given time, you can choose to dedicate your time and attention to a select few areas: work/career/business, social life, and personal health for example. Or maybe it’s kids/family, community, and health/vitality. But the notion that ALL areas should be balanced and we should be “doing it all” is not only a myth, it’s highly toxic. It sets us up for failure that if we’re not doing it all, something is wrong. In a 24 hour period, and a 365 day period, you can only be successful if you focus in on what’s important and let the rest go. I learned that the idea of what one “should” be doing needs to be thrown out the window. Do what you WANT to do. Read more>>
Work life balance – what is that? I am working on it! No one ever said that running your own business would be easy. I wasn’t fully prepared for how all-encompassing it would be. As a small business owner, you learn how to do EVERYTHING! I must say that I have never had work more intellectually stimulating, challenging, rewarding and FUN as owning Bloom & Flourish. Loving what you do helps when you work long hours! Read more>>
When you are an entrepreneur, it is so easy to work ALL THE TIME, especially when you are extremely passionate about your work. In the beginning, I had a really hard time setting boundaries and let my job be my life. However, after a few years, I was able to create more boundaries for myself and find a LOT more balance! Read more>>
I am currently working two jobs at the moment, and I am balancing my home and social life with it, which can make things pretty crazy. Due to my busy schedule, I have to adapt and change my schedule a lot in ordered to get things done. I like to approach my days with a plan; figure out all the things I need to get done that day and work it in with my normal working routine. I allow time for all the things that are important to me, which allows balance in my life. Read more>>