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.

Kela Sako | Vocalist & Lyricist

Work life balance is probably one of the most prominent struggles amongst (most) music makers. As with any goal you’re trying to reach, it takes a great investment in order to achieve it. That investment includes time, effort, drive, early mornings, late nights and of course, money. Balancing a day job with a dream is not for the faint of heart. I used to prioritize my day job, as I saw it as a vital piece in achieving my music dream. I’d work my 9 to 5 and get to my music afterwards. Over time, as I’ve become more engrained in my artistic process, I recognized within myself that if I want it, I have to go for it and go for it all the way – there is no one foot in, one foot out. Read more>>

Craig Sewing | CEO and Creator of American Dream TV

Personally, I believe in zen, but “balance” is bullshit. Love life, and give ALL the important things 100% of your effort. There isn’t a balancing act.
If you ride a bike, you balance by KEEP PEDALING. I am firm believer you don’t have to take from one bucket to fill the other, or to “balance” so to speak. Specifically, my love for my family does not take away from my career…It enhances it. My love for my career doesn’t take away from my family…It enhances it. My love to travel doesn’t balance me out….Working hard empowers the opportunity. Rather then “balance,” build your family, career, and life in a way that you can give all of them your love and 100% effort. They should all work synergistically. Read more>>

Mariam T. | Drag Queen

I’ve always been a workaholic. I had two jobs through high school, and three in college. I’ve continued that strong work ethic throughout my career, but many times, it has led to me to burnout. About two years ago I started weekly coaching with a life coach, who taught me a lot about work/life balance. Now I am able to take time off and enjoy down time without guilting myself. I quit comparing my work ethic to other people’s, and I started to set more realistic timelines and goals for myself. I’m constantly considering my work/life balance, ensuring I don’t fall back into bad habits that will lead me to burnout. It doesn’t always happen, but luckily, I have learned new ways to cope with burnout when in inevitably happens. Read more>>

Catherine Martinez | Founder

When I started Aesthetic Events, the work-life balance was definitely a challenge. Like many small business owners, I poured countless hours into building my stock, marketing the brand, and ensuring every event exceeded client expectations. It was rewarding, but it left little time for personal life. Over time, as the business grew and systems were put in place—like online booking and streamlined processes—I was able to delegate and prioritize better. Expanding the team and setting clear boundaries also allowed me to reclaim personal time while still maintaining the high standards that define Aesthetic Events Read more>>

Lauren Lee | Director of Digital Marketing | Volleyball Coach & Fitness Lover

Being a retired division 1 athlete, navigating work life balance was actually very tough for me. We were taught at a young age playing high level sports, that every ounce and second of your life was to be dedicated to perfecting your craft (in my case, was volleyball). I earned a athletic full-ride scholarship to play division 1 volleyball with that work ethic and dedication to every second of my day filled with training to be the best or studying to get into my dream school. Read more>>

Yoom Flores | Foodie influencer and Accountant

When I started as a food influencer, I was deeply immersed in the hustle culture I found myself often sacrificing personal time to meet deadlines, build my brand, and engaging with my audience. Over time, I realized that constant work without breaks was affecting my creativity and energy. I also wanted to spend more time with family and friends. Now, I prioritize setting boundaries, such as dedicating specific times to work. I’ve learned that a well-balanced routine makes me more productive and allows me to enjoy the journey rather than just chasing goals. For me, balance isn’t about splitting time perfectly- it’s about aligning my priorities with what matters most. I focus on quality time for both work and life, knowing that they fuel each other. Read more>>