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.

Kerryanne Kelley | Somatic Coach & Global Youth Mentor

This has changed massively for me over the years. I spent my whole life as a hustler, getting my first job when I was 11 and spent my teens and 20’s working 4-5 jobs at a time. As a former Vikings Cheerleader we were expected to work full time in addition to our responsibilities on the team. I only knew working hard and grinding it out. The amount of burn out I was in was totally unreasonable for over a decade of my life and completely dishonored trust in anyone or anything besides myself in order to make things happen. I now know that if my mental and emotional health aren’t well and I don’t have balance in my life, nothing else will be great either. My joy and wellness is a priority first and foremost. Read more>>

Kelly Butler | Interior Designer

Work-life balance wasn’t something I thought a lot about before I had kids. But after having four kids in five and a half years, it became incredibly important. It was definitely an adjustment, and there were times when I focused solely on my family. Over time, though, I’ve learned that balance is really about being present in whatever I’m working on at that moment. If I’m at the park with my kids, I try not to answer calls or emails—I’m all in on spending time with them. Similarly, when I’m working on a design project, I put myself in a position where I can focus on that without distractions. It’s about being intentional with my time and making sure each part of my life gets the attention it deserves. Read more>>

Beth Bales | State Farm Agent

In college, I had mentally checked out of entrepreneurial classes, convinced that owning a business wasn’t for me. My goal was to climb the corporate ladder in Human Resources, which led to a role as an HR manager at Target. Initially, the long hours (50-60 hours a week, including holidays and weekends) were manageable in my 20s. I was determined to climb the “corporate ladder”. Read more>>

Erin Penberthy Crystal Mikes | Moms & Co-Founders

For us, both as working moms, the idea of work life balance has changed drastically. Before becoming parents having a job that allowed for flexibility was less of a priority. However, now it is top of mind. Working for an organization that values you as a holistic person instead of only as an employee is key. We want to work for an employer who recognizes that kids get sick, need to go to appointments and have school and social commitments. I, Erin, had my first child one month into the COVID pandemic. Read more>>

Nicole Chambers | Real Estate Expertise & Wealth Building

I personally do not believe there is such thing as a work-life balance in today’s world, at least not for entrepreneurs. Boundaries, maybe….but balance is a very fine line. I began working at the age of 16 where I was paid by the hour, which was attached to a set schedule. I then migrated into the corporate world where I was paid an annual salary on the basis of working 40 hours per week, however I was working far more than the 40 hours I was being paid for. It was then I realized that in order to truly have “balance” in life between work and personal life, the two had to coexist. Read more>>

Terra Leone | Director Of Design for the House of Greentree

My work-life balance is ever-evolving. In the beginning, it challenging to separate work from personal time. However, I’ve made a conscious effort to establish designated spaces for different activities, like setting up a dedicated painting studio for my art practice or a space for taking apart frames and cutting my aluminum panels. These spaces help me stay focused on my creative projects without distractions, and I have less pet hair to pick out from my paintings. Additionally, getting outside on the trails has become a vital part of maintaining that balance. I ride an electric unicycle, which is a very relaxing hobby while also providing exercise. I get to see some amazing wildlife and occasionally get a great reference image for my work. Read more>>

Sam Zimberoff | Cal Poly SLO Student & Junior Marketer

Like many, I used to believe time was the most valuable resource. But time has been dethroned in today’s digital world; your attention is now king. Work-life balance is something that’s constantly evolving in my life. In the past, primarily sourced from media and early education, I used to think it was about dividing my time equally between work, relationships, and my personal life. Over time, I’ve realized that balance is far more fluid than fixed; different bouts of work demand different levels of attention in various areas. I’m far from perfectly balanced, but I always strive to be more intentional about it. Read more>>

Cheri Maestas | Insurance Agent and Advisor

When I was young and single I just worked and worked and worked. Then I was a single mom for some years so I really focused on jobs that would allow me flexibility to be a great mom and great employee too. Now, my daughter is a young adult, doing fabulous so I am back to working, working, working BUT I try to work really hard AT work so I can play really hard with my husband and family when I am off. I think balance flows from year to year, season to season, day to day even too and just being aware of this and adapting is key. Read more>>