A host of factors, developments, and dynamics have made most industries more competitive than ever. As a result so many of us wonder whether there is still such a thing as work-life balance. We reached out to the community to hear perspectives on finding the right balance.

Michele DeVries | Wedding Photographer

In the first few years of getting my business off the ground, work/life balance was non-existent. I believed, in order to succeed, I had to devote my entire self, and every moment of spare time, to my business. That mentality eventually caught up with me by way of weight gain and burnout. I’d come to realize that without any kind of work/life balance, my business wouldn’t be sustainable. The success and sustainability of my business depended on me putting me first. Read more>>

Megan Reed | Designer, Business Owner, Mom

Work life balance-that’s a tough one. I’m a mom first and foremost, and I’ve always been family centered-even when it was just me, my husband, Nate, and our dog, Oliver. Oliver went with me to work every day that I could take him. But, the problem with our society is that “being a mom” is never going to be enough. I know so many moms who feel guilty putting their careers on hold to raise these beautiful little human beings. I know I did. Read more>>

Samantha Dawn | Personal Stylist & Style Coach

Having balance is always such a battle, especially in entrepreneurship and motherhood. I don’t even know if balance is the right word, I would like to think it’s having work life boundaries. For example, set the boundaries for when it’s time to work vs when it’s time to be present with your family, friends, and your life. Read more>>

Dan Bruder | CEO and Co-Founder, Blendification – Harmonizing Work and Life

Work-life balance is a myth! After years of seeking the unattainable goal of work-life balance, I realized that a more realistic and meaningful life pursuit is a work-life blend. Seeking work-life balance creates an artificially adversarial relationship between work and life. Many of those seeking balance demonize work and label work as something that needs to be limited. This not only impacts their workplace productivity, relationships, and career advancement but also limits their personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Read more>>

Brooke Shepherd | Realtor

For me, my family comes first. Being a mom of 4, it was really important for me to find a job that allowed flexibility. I am proud to say, I missed a handful of events/games between all 4 of the kids. I have a very supportive husband, so we just made it work! I think the key to finding that balance is clear communication with your family and spouse. Now that all of my kids have graduated and do not need me as much, I am able to focus more on my career. With that being said, my husband and I make sure to spend quality time together. We love going on dates and being grandparents! Read more>>

Hanna Wilson | Editorial & Elopement Photographer, Amateur Filmmaker

Work life balance is HUGE. Growing up I could never see myself working a traditional 9-5 office job – I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. I craved the freedom of being able to create my own office hours and work whenever I wanted to from wherever I wanted to. During the first few years of being self employed I worked mostly from home. To some people, this may sound like the dream – and in some ways, it was. Read more>>

Lauran Knight | chef, caterer, mom

this is exactly why I started my food truck! to strive towards life/work balance. the restaurant/food service industry can be a serious out of balance job. all work. with Kaleidoscope kitchen, I am hoping to keeping it more sustainable with in my own life and not just burning out. My husband and son’s help has been an integral part of this and was something I knew I would need to sustain, I feel very fortunate to have their help and support. Read more>>

Carl Gunter | Brand Director & Portrait Photographer

I think this is something that I will be working on for the rest of my life. The “balance” in my life seems to vary day by day, and that always frustrated me until I realized that may not be a bad thing. I need different things each day, as do my clients, my dog, my garden, and everything else I have going on in my life. They say every millionaire has 40 hours of unfinished work per week and once I heard that I stopped stressing about the insignificant things, and started focusing only on the things that TRULY matter to me. Read more>>