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?

Shea Givens | Singer-Songwriter

My work life balance has changed quite a bit over time. When I initially moved to California to start my business and pursue my career in music more seriously I was truly hitting the pavement at all times. It was exceptionally tough for me to say no to opportunities at times as well. It was very typical for me to be working at all hours of the day. I’ve since learned how important it is to protect my own energy and make time to care for myself so I can offer my best self to my clients and opportunities. In doing so I am more present in the moment as well instead of feeling the weight of a schedule that constantly paces on to the next task. Read more>>

Mitchell McNamara | So Cal Adult Softball League Director

When I think about balance I always think of a quote a coach of mine once said, “If you are going to take the time to do something, you might as well do it the right way.” When we first started So Cal Adult Softball there were many times where I felt myself being stretched too thin. There were always more tasks than I could handle in the day, yet I found myself trying to get them done all at once. In the beginning I was dragging fields in the day and umpiring at night. Some days I would crush it and other days I was dragging my feet from one thing to the next. Over time I began to realize that I could handle anything if I just stop for a moment and remind myself to do it the right way. No half measures. No shortcuts. By focusing my energy at the task at hand I realized I could handle more in my life than I ever thought possible. The balance of building a business is kind of like building a house. You are never really finished and something always needs to be fixed. Read more>>

Sarah Elizabeth Stanley | Performer, Choreographer, and Teacher

As a student, I was under the impression that I had to be singularly focused on dance in order to progress. This helped in some ways: I was constantly in class, and when I had any free time I was rehearsing, stretching, or doing other dance-related things, and I didn’t socialize much outside of my immediate dance community. I had no balance, and this lack of life experience was evident in my performance and artistry. Now, I look forward to time away from dance! Taking a break from the stresses of training and creating allows me to fully engage in both of those practices without the concern of burnout. Read more>>

J. Kat Woronowicz Johnson | Photographer

One thing I’ve learned in 2020 was that my work does not define me. When all my clients canceled last Spring due to Covid fears, I went through alot of fears myself. Fear of economic insecurity, loss of my purpose and identity. Earning money and being financially independent are important to my personal values and also as an American. I have a young daughter. During my pregnancy I was worried that I would loose clients and my identity as a photographer when I became a mother. I reached out for support to my colleagues and friends that were mothers but still continued their career and asked how they did it. They all said it’s a “balance” Yes, I lost some clients after I had my daughter. My biggest challenge is arranging childcare on the days I scheduled photo shoots.I found a wonderful and affordable daycare early on that not only helped when I was working, but let me take time for just me. Also, I was lucky to have family nearby to help me out. My daughter loves her grandma! A well balanced life is a daily choice. I have to be in tune with myself and know when its time to slow down, to put my phone away and be present with my family. Read more>>

Tanae Fayad | Athlete/Musician

Finding importance in work/life balance has been key to maintaining my sanity over the years. Honouring down time and rest just as much as being on the go all day. Especially being an athlete, its not just mental stimulation but physical exhaustion as well. Keeping track of all the moving parts in my life, from being an athlete, a student, and a musician has been a challenge, but has taught me to respect balance over all. Read more>>

Kyle Guymon | Potter

The time that I am able to spend in my studio has changed dramatically. Before I became a father most of my studio time was spend in the afternoon, making, creating, exploring and testing. Once I became a father my studio time was split between watching my girls, getting enough sleep and making work. Now that they are getting older I am starting to get back into the studio in the afternoons but I now do most of my work in the evenings or late into the night on weekends. I have learned to be more selective of the ideas and tests that I want to try out. With studio time not being what it use to be, I have to make sure that I maximizing the time that I do have. I’m lucky my oldest likes to draw as much as she does, this gives me time to work on my sketches and work through ideas. I am constantly thinking about how I can give my full attention to being a husband, father and artist. Read more>>

Jessika Frerichs | Head of Marketing

I’m still working on balance. When I spent time in Switzerland working at Nestle headquarters, a good friend and colleague from France, Gauthier, once commented, “You Americans, always eating at your desk for lunch! Get out, take a break.” and that stuck with me. It’s all I knew, but he was right. The funny part was that our Director was from the USA, and by the end of that year, Gauthier was also eating at his desk. Growing up in a corporate environment, the balance didn’t exactly exist. My teams worked 16 hour days, and we loved it. We were young, eager to learn, and most of us didn’t have the responsibility of taking care of a family. After I returned from Europe, I decided to take a break from the corporate environment and join my husband in the Agency business, which in marketing automatically signs you up for more hours. That said, we had started a family, and my perspectives changed. I realized that I could still be creative and productive without sacrificing love and attention. Read more>>