24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. Junior investment bankers regularly work 80-90 hours a week. Many other high profile professions require the same level of commitment. Often those on the outside claim that working 80-90 hours a week is bad/wrong/terrible/silly/etc but we’ve spoken with so many folks who say working that much has been the best decision of their life – it allowed them to develop a deep and strong skill set far faster than would have been possible otherwise. In other words, by working 2x the hours, they were able to generate 5x or more the rewards. And depending on where you are in your career, investing heavily in your skills and competence can pay dividends for a long time.

Shaneel Simpson Gayle | Creative Account Director and childhood cancer parent advocate

Over time, my work-life balance has undergone a significant transformation. As a single mother when my first child was born, I initially focused intensely on my career, fearing any perception of inadequacy. Unfortunately, this commitment led to neglect during the crucial first bonding year, resulting in severe burnout and depression. Recognizing the toll, I contemplated stepping away from the creative agency world, understanding the importance of a balanced approach that prioritizes both professional success and the well-being of my family. This experience has shaped my perspective, emphasizing the need for a more harmonious integration of work and personal life. Read more>>

Meredith Gavin | Program Director Freedom Waters Foundation

Worklife balance is crucial to an individual. If you do not prioritize your personal life, then you can face burnout in your career. When I was younger, I strived to be the ideal employee coming in early working late and I learned that the more your do there is still always work to get done. I didn’t take any time for myself and ended up working so much that a job I loved ultimately became something I despised going to. My personal health began to fail and my relationships suffered. I learned that I need to prioritize work-life balance because nobody else will do it for me and I wanted to be happy. Read more>>

Kaylah Louiny | Mental Health Advocate

Ultimately, achieving a satisfactory life of balance is a dynamic and personal journey that evolves over time based on individual circumstances, priorities, and external influences. One thing that I have noticed in myself is that if I am not regulated emotionally then I will not be able to find actual balance physically. Adopting a growth mindset has helped me develop balance. When I was first embarking on my healing journey balance seemed unreachable, almost impossible. Through intentional work, I have been able to achieve a state of mind that emulates balance. Read more>>