By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Keitha Nelson-Williams | Anchor. Storyteller. Host

Let me begin by plainly stating there is no such things as balance when it comes your work and personal life. That’s a bold statement, I know. Hear me out. Often times we’re all forced to pour more of our time into either our work, family, or personal life. Each of these things at one point or another will require more of your attention and energy than the other. And that is perfectly fine. There are days when my family will take precedence over my work and vice versa. I became the mother of twins nearly five years ago following a public battle with infertility. I shared my journey to motherhood in a six part series online and on the morning show I anchor for Jacksonville’s NBC/ABC affiliate, First Coast News. I thought the In Vitro Fertilization process was taxing but motherhood exposed me to another level of exhaustion. I quickly came to the realization that I’ll never be able to “balance” it all. I simply take things day by day and focus my attention where its most needed at any particular time. My message to all mothers reading this article is to take lots of deep breaths, do the best you can and don’t overwhelm yourself. Read more>>

María Centeno | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

My balance has changed over time, definitely and almost necessarily. At the beginning of my practice I dedicated about 10 or 12 hours a day to work, and on weekends about 5 more hours, since it was difficult to support myself 100% from design and illustration. Over time, and not so long ago, I began to make room for enjoyment and leisure, prioritizing meetings and rest. The balance is very present in my head today because working and sacrificing so much led me to get sick, both mentally and physically. It stops being healthy and even less enjoyable. Read more>>

Matt Guastaferro | Chief Mischief Maker & Founder, HUGO Creative

When HUGO launched back in 2010, I was not a father. It wasn’t until the end of 2015 that I became a dad. So much about my work/life balance has changed since my daughter came into the world. When she’s done with school, I make time for us to hang out and then we cook dinner together. As she’s gotten older, that one event has become a ritual for us. It’s one of the most special parts of our day. She helps out and I try to teach her what I know about cooking (I’m no Michelin Star chef but we have fun doing it). After she goes to bed, I go back to doing a little bit of work. Read more>>

Deedee Bitran | Attorney, Activist

My grandparents played a big role in raising me and shaping who I am, and they somehow managed to accomplish more in 24 hours than most people accomplish in a lifetime. My grandma is the 41st board certified female surgeon in the United States and she raised three children. She still exercises, teaches Israeli dancing class once a week, cooks and hosts large family shabbat dinners every Friday night, and rescues stray animals. My grandfather was a brilliant pulmonologist, founded a critical care conference for medical professionals, played tennis multiple times a week, painted beautiful photos that he captured on his camera, created pottery and glass art, spearheaded countless meaningful projects to raise money for Israel, and taught medical residents for months at a time annually at Hadassah hospital in Israel. Needless to say, my two role models truly seized the day. At my grandfather’s 80th birthday, he had about 50 of his closest friends in the room who he had maintained a close relationship with for decades. My grandparents exemplify it all: they gave back to society with their hearts and community efforts, rescued animals, used their brains and careers to help those in need, took care of themselves physically and mentally, and carved out meaningful time for their facilities and friendships. Read more>>