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.

Elizabeth Jaime | Owner of Calma, A Floral Design Studio.

Work/life balance is something I am constantly thinking about and working on. I had no idea how much of my life would be consumed by Calma when I first began so to say that this has been a struggle of mine would be an understatement. I think when you’re first starting a business, it feels natural to always be “on” – after all, you’re number one goal is to grow this thing you’re building. In the first year and half, there were so many moments where I was “resting” when I felt like I should instead, be working. I felt like there was *always* something I could be doing. Eventually, the idea of always being “on” caught up to me and at the end of 2020, I was feeling extremely burnt out – to the point where I considered calling it quits. With some reflection and the help of the people around me, I realized that I didn’t always have to be working on Calma and that taking care of myself was just as important as taking care of Calma. Read more>>

Benjamin Smithee | CEO of The Smithee Group

I think many Entrepreneurs and Executives find work-life balance elusive because they approach it with the wrong mindset. When you’re running an organization or starting one, it really is more of a work-life blend. Certain things are going to bleed into personal time, you’re going to think of your best ideas on your off days, etc. When you’re building and growing something extraordinary it takes extraordinary efforts and thinking. You’re going to work more than the average person, but your mind is really engaged in your end goal. Over time I have embraced the blend more and rather than try to set a “this is work” and “this is free” mentality, I have lately tried to ensure I have one day on the weekend where I am not touching emails, etc. but sometimes there are still tradeoffs that are needed. It is about being present in the moments. “Balance” tends represent a positive and negative….I see work and “life” both as positives – I want as much of both as possible! – Ben Smithee. Read more>>

Yuan Chang | EDM producer, Naturalist, Brand Designer

My balance is: 33% my profession, 33% music, and 33% wellness ( family time, morning rituals, meditation, podcast listening, PLAY). MY biggest learning lesson this year was to prioritize making money. I know I’m a good brand and ux designer, but I never wanted it to get in the way of my true calling/ikigai/purpose. Let me tell you – for a good amount of my life, I saw money as an evil and made a few thousand dollars a year. I was biking everywhere, I put up with ads on Spotify, and traded/bartered everything with friends. It was a beautiful way to live, but it’s time for me to come back into balance- use money as a tool to affect my communities positively. And anyway, I wouldn’t enjoy a life where I had to make ends meet with my music. I know that would zap out any amount of creativity that I have. Read more>>

Angie Mejia | Photographer & Stylist

My work life balance has been changing a lot since I’ve started college and until now since we are in a pandemic. I use to take more time when it came to my personal going out life but I have calmed down since then. It seems like life becomes more busy by the second and taking time for myself is choosing between down time, exercise time and photography. I just try to do what I can and plan ahead of time. Having an agenda showing me what I need to do for the day and if I have things to do helps keep me in check with my work life balance. I try not to be too upset when things get out of my control, I just try to adjust and make time to keep me sane. Read more>>