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.

Kristina Lampshire | Social Media Director/Business Owner

Balance has changed over time for me in a big way, especially recently with being pregnant with our first child. I think that work/life balance is always important, but even more so now with becoming a mom soon. When I was in my 20s and I was so green and new and learning the ways of the world, I was focused a lot on friendships and finding myself, that I probably did not focus the most on my career. It wasn’t until about age 30 that I really started to focus and made work and building a business my main priority. Which is funny, because when I was 32 that is when I met my now husband, and was spending a lot of time with him and his family creating that bond but also was successful at work so much so that it gave me the courage to start my business Amuse Social LLC. Read more>>

Brandi Mcmichael (formerly Shigley) | Dreamer / Doer / Founder of Fashion Denver / Executive Producer of CreativeMornings Denver / Communications director at The Lion Project

When I first started my business in 1999 at the age of 23, I was full of energy and eager to push forward. I was constantly on the move, embracing every opportunity to grow my fashion business. As a DIY fashion enthusiast before the industry made it easier to start your own business, I was breaking new ground and always learning. Now, at 49, I’ve realized that I no longer have the energy to keep going at that same relentless pace. Instead, I’ve shifted my focus to what I know best. I’ve learned that to sustain my passion and creativity, I need to refuel my battery. The energy I expend in my work is significant, and I’ve come to appreciate the importance of balancing that with time to recharge. Read more>>

Alex Reid | MultiMedia Designer

Now having a family its hard to see working to much when you have real priorities at home waiting on you. Knowing you need to make a living is critical but chasing the wrong things will have in void looking for the next until there is no end in slight. Read more>>

Elli Milan | Professional artist, Founder of Milan Art Institute

My goal was to get to the point where I didn’t work, so I never would have to worry about balance. To me, work is doing the things you dont really love to do that are obligations or a means to an end. When I first started my business I worked really hard doing everything and wearing all the hats, but as I progressed I was able to get off my plate all the things I didn’t want to do. Mostly now I only do what I enjoy. I find very little need for work life balance. Read more>>

Kenzie Mayberry | Tattoo Artist

When I first started tattooing, I was an apprentice at a big shop. When I began my training, I was at the shop for 13-15 hours on some days. I was there six days a week every week, and worked my retail job every Sunday I had off at the shop. I had no work life balance at all. When I left that shop to open my own place, I was worried that running my own business would take up the same amount of my time, or more. After the first month or so with my new license, however, I realized that I had way more freedom than before; I got to make my own schedule and didn’t have to request time off for travel or other events, I could just book around them. Read more>>