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

Hi Nina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is absolutely vital. Right out of college, I started working in public accounting, which is A LOT of hours and A LOT of stress. I was working constantly, even at home. I didn’t have a work life balance because work was my life. Then I decided to take a two week vacation to Europe. I came back from that trip and quit my job within a month. When finding a new job my first question was always “how do you find the work life balance here?”.

I now have a job that I have an incredible work life balance. They respect that we are people with lives outside of work. This work life balance allowed me to start my blog and my small business. I then had to learn how to apply a comfortable work life balance to myself.

Owning a small business, it is easy to use all of your free time working on the business, thinking about the business, etc. Especially since I have a 9-5, my time was limited and my blog and small business were starting to become my entire life. After burning out from constantly working, I decided I had to set boundaries for myself and really separate my life from anything work related whether it was my 9-5 or my blog or the small business.

Work life balance is a slippery slope when you are your own boss. It is easy to let the lines blur, but set boundaries. Boundaries are what will keep you in check. If you say you’re going to spend 2 hours working on something for your small business, set a timer and close your laptop after those two hours pass.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Welcome to New York City! Aka the greatest city in the world. There’s so much to do, so pre-planning is a must.

Breakfast/Brunch: Clinton Street Baking Co, Russ & Daughters, Friedman’s Jack’s Wife Freda, Juniors, Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Lunch: Food trucks, Beyond Sushi, Sal Kris & Charlies, Tacos Grand Central, Katz Deli
Dinner: Fraunces Tavern, Rosa Mexicana, Socarrat Paella Bar, Mr. Purple, Sveta, Blossom on Columbus, Anejo, Tavern on the Green
Coffee/Snacks: Maman, Angelina Paris, Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, Peter Pan Donut, Cafe Panna, Insomnia Cookies, Martha’s Country Bakery, Magnolia

Things to do:
1. Walk through Central Park and admire all of the statues and sculptures
2. Go downtown to the Financial District for a historical tour
3. Visit some quirky museums (Museum of Ice Cream, Museum of Sex, etc)
4. Take a ferry ride
5. See a Broadway Play
6. Visit the Comedy Cellar
7. Go shopping in SoHo and at Chelsea Market

It is so important to leave Manhattan and visit the other boroughs as well! You get the best views of the skyline when you step into Brooklyn and Queens. Don’t forget NYC is more than just Manhattan!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutouts definitely go to my two cousins and co-owners of Tawk of New Yawk, Stephanie and Michele. Owning a small business can be so stressful and I couldn’t have done it without their hardwork and support too. If this was something I did on my own, I probably would have closed up shop, so I’m thankful to have them and to have our amazing little online magazine grow.

Outside of Tawk of New Yawk, Stephanie is the one who inspired me to start my blog, Nomadic Neen. She helped me find a passion I didn’t even know I had. Without Stephanie there would be no Nomadic Neen.

Website: www.nomadicneen.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nomadic_neen

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nomadicneen

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nomadicneen

Other: www.tawkofnewyawk.com

Image Credits
All photos are mine!