Meet Elizabeth Rodriguez | Comic/Writer/Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
A few years back, I was introduced to the idea of work/life priorities and that sort of replaced the idea of having a work/life balance. It’s not surprising I learned this concept during my sales job in corporate America where I worked close to 100 hours per week during our busier seasons. And yes, this was also pre-pandemic life where the idea of giving up so much of my time to work for someone else was something I was okay with.

While I still support the idea that there are times where we need to make some sacrifices in order to achieve our goals, these last few years have also taught me that no one is going to value my time or guard my energy more than me. Prioritizing what matters most in the moment doesn’t always mean my life is balanced, but the sacrifices feel differently when they are made for myself and those I love most versus some gazillionaire business owner and its shareholders.

Balance in general is still very important to me, so I try to manage my overall health (body/mind/spirit), personal relationships, and career goals as best as possible. With that idea, work/life priority still makes sense in my world but my priorities look completely different today compared to a few years back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am really proud to say I have been working for myself as a full time artist and entrepreneur for a little over two years. It was not and does not remain an easy journey, but I’ve never been a huge fan of easy. I enjoy challenging myself and stepping out of my comfort zone which I do believe sets me apart from many others. And I also happen to find joy in the challenges. Since I left the corporate world and a very nice salary in 2020, I continue to feel empowered and stand by my decisions every time I say no to money, and yes to my boundaries. I’m not saying I haven’t made sacrifices in the past due to financial constraints, but I am saying the sooner I walk away from that which does not serve me, the sooner I can move toward the direction of that which does. I have been able to focus on so many exciting projects and continue to produce shows I can be really proud of like the ¿Que Bola? Cuban-American Comedy Show at the Miami Improv this past October. I am not sure where we are taking it next but the first one was a huge success and I intend to keep building on top of it.

Something else that is very important to me is how hard I advocate for mental health and encourage everyone to make theirs a priority. There are lots of quotes with similar messages about being true to ourselves and separate quotes about learning what that even means. So if there is one thing I hope to demonstrate through my work is that I remain true to myself at all stages of my life. I have said this to many of my peers and would love the world to know that my ultimate goal is not to be famous, but rather to be of impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I may need an entirely separate article just to tackle this one because I am hard-core Miami and “305 till I die” all day! That said, I also don’t get out as much as I used to so my spots and what I consider a good time may be a little old school and for the veteranas over 40 like me who prefer to keep it low-key. Once upon a time I would have recommended all the hot spots for killer cocktails, but now living a California-sober life for over 2.5 years (i.e. alcohol free but cannabis friendly AF) my recommendations lean in a different direction these days.

You can’t come to Miami and not do the beach but I do prefer our North Miami Beaches versus the South Beach scene (don’t stop reading yet). Starting from the 70s (street) and north of there, we really do have some beautiful and very chill beach scenes if you’re not looking for the SoBe locura you see in music videos or hear about in the news. I would also recommend anyone who visits to hit up all the best Cuban food spots which include (in no particular order) but are not limited to – Caja Caliente, El Rey de La Fritas, El Floridita, La Carreta, Sergios, Isla Canarias (croquetta binge), Pastelito Papii, hit up all the spots on Calle Ocho, El Mejor Pan Con Lechon, Morro Castle, Vicky/CAO/Karla Bakeries, and those are just off the top of my head but I encourage anyone who reads this to add to the list and send my way!

Miami offers a world-wide array of cuisine so food really does deserve its own category. But in addition to stuffing our faces, I would also recommend anyone visiting hit up all the best comedy shows in town (which are whatever shows I happen to be on while they’re here – ha!)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God/Source first, always! And I am honestly so overwhelmed with gratitude because in spite of all the challenges and difficult times in my life, I’ve always been surrounded by love and great mentors. I’m so lucky to still have my mom, who supports me in multiple ways (even when she doesn’t agree), and is a true demonstration of unconditional love.

Family is everything and I cherish those who have never left my side. This includes the leader of our pack and my man who has been by my side for over twelve years, including a pandemic. My partner came into my life right before my dad passed away and we have been there for each other since; through multiple losses of some of our closest loved ones, and a continued healing journey full of love and growth. I am also really grateful he met me as a comic and has been a huge support system from day one. My family circle is small and I’m lucky to say my one and only sister is also one of my best friends and remains one of my biggest fans.

I’ve also had tons of great mentors at all my previous jobs and in comedy specifically, I really am beyond blessed to have such a huge network of support. From Melissa Echavarria, the manager at the Miami Improv, who continues to provide me with amazing opportunities and has believed in me from the beginning, to several comics and producers who make living this dream so much fun.

I really need an entire book just for these types of dedications but I certainly hope to make those who love me proud with the impact of my work. And of course, Morgan Sophia, one of my all-time favorite photographers, who connected me with the Shoutout Series! She helped make this article happen and I’m so grateful for her.

Website: coming soon!

Instagram: @laughwitheli

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrodriguez173/

Twitter: @laughwitheli

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Image Credits
one image: Morgan Sophia Photography