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.

Katrina Owen | Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist & Online Health Coach

After moving across the country with my spouse three times in four years I was always finding myself building and rebuilding my business each time. The primary focus was to apply myself 110% to my career and sow the seeds now so I can reap the benefits later. However, in my line of work as a fitness professional I found myself putting my own health on the back burner. This contradicted what I was educating my clients on having that work-life balance and prioritizing their health. Read more>>

Belle Alexander | Professional Dancer

To be honest, balance is a struggle. It’s one of those things you think you have figured out one minute, then BOOM, back to square one. When you are called for a gig/performance, sometimes there is no room for weighing out options. If you want it, you adjust and make it happen. It’s also important to me that I put just as much effort into my family, friends, relationships, and self care. I tend to stretch myself thin at times, but to be busy and booked is a blessing. Read more>>

Carolyn M. Soto Jackson | Photographer & Writer

To Hell with the Hustle is one book I regretfully did not have in my possession in my first couple of years in marriage. Society tells us to “Hustle Hard” and “Rise and Grind” and how we must post more, sell more, and accomplish more. In fact, if we do not move now, we will miss it. Then one day you find yourself utterly drained, unable to cope or manage everything you have willingly put on your plate. It may not happen today or tomorrow but eventually you will be so exhausted you will lose your grip, and everything will come to a standstill. Read more>>

Raven BlIr | Esthetician

I’ve learned & still learning to set boundaries. I get lost sometimes in work & put it first. I started to see I was missing out on life. I changed my schedule to include to off days & some weekdays I close early. This has allowed me to spend time with my family & not burn myself out so soon! Read more>>