The Coronavirus has given many us an opportunity to pause and think about life, our purpose, and even the right work life balance.  What’s your perspective and has it changed over time?

Megan Ladd | Burnout Coach

My work life balance went from pretty much nonexistent to the #1 factor in my business’ growth to date. For years I was a hardcore overachiever. I loved my work, and I didn’t mind thinking about it all the time. Even when I did take time off, it was challenging to be fully present and relax. It wasn’t until I hit a point of total exhaustion that I realized something needed to change. It wasn’t sustainable to put so much pressure on myself and be working (or thinking about work) all of the time. When I hit my personal breaking point, I was forced to learn a new approach to success that incorporated taking care of myself — not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I realized that I show up most powerfully for my working hours when I am taking time to fill my cup, rest my brain, and have fun outside of work. Read more>>

Jennifer Siegwart | Photographer

A work/life balance has always been the largest challenge to me when it comes to running my own business. When I started my first photo business with a friend in 2011, I essentially had no balance. I was running another photo studio while trying to build up another one with my business partner. I would work at the other studio until 5 or 6 pm, try to get a workout in before heading home, and then work on our business until 2 or 3 in the morning. Get up again at 8 am and repeat. When any business is first starts, you wear so many hats and are just trying to get it going, you kind of go into auto pilot. As the business grew, I think my (and our) business senses grew along with it. It became easier to time manage, and because there was two of us, one could pick up the slack of the other when one person wasn’t feeling well or present. Read more>>

Chastitee Witherspoon | Business & Life(style) Ops Strategist

The balance of my work life has changed drastically over the past five years in the right way. I’ve always prided myself on having structure and an effective schedule to back it up.. I learned the benefits of balance the hard way after being a single mom of 2 for eight-plus years. It was best to create balance, after many tests and trials. Being Mom of 2 children, now 11 and 15, running two businesses, and in a newfound relationship in the past few years, life got hectic again. I instilled scheduling a healthy harmony between business and life; it was a challenge that did not last long for me to obtain a schedule that worked with me, not against me. That’s one of the biggest tips a plan that works with you. I remember as a former 9-5 employee who worked in corporate, financial firms, and dead-end jobs, you’re consistently working around an inconvenient agenda. Read more>>

J.T. Meadows | Restaurant Owner & Oven Whisperer

Initially, I had no work-life balance and was spending 100+ hours a week “in the business”. This caused great stress on my mind, body and social/personal life in general. I realized that if I didn’t find a good balance I would probably go crazy… well, crazier. Read more>>