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.

Fatima Alikhan | Aviation & Business Consultant

My perspective on work-life balance has evolved significantly. I believe that achieving a balance that works for me is key to leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. Once I adopted this perspective, the steps towards success in my personal and professional life became easier; leaving to overall fulfillment and happiness. Read more>>

Megan Gonzalez | Brand Designer

I’ve learned so much about my expectations of time since having my two boys (currently ages 2 and 3!). Naturally, I like to devise a plan and see it through–create goals to accomplish, priorities to keep first, and set limits to stick to the plan. Watching how much my children change so rapidly has encouraged me to rethink my expectations of creating one schedule or work/life balance and just seeing it through. It feels like we’ve had 50 or more different versions of balance since my oldest was born. Some versions of my days have erred on the side of more time away from my work and others more time away from my kiddos. I’m learning to be flexible and that no season–whether I am LOVING how it’s feeling or dreading the weight–lasts forever. This new observant way of being has allowed me to see how often I CHANGE, too, and giving myself grace to set a plan for work/life balance and then adjust as needed to stay healthy and available for the ones I love. Currently my work brings me SO MUCH JOY. The most it ever has. And on the flip, my family brings me ABUNDANT JOY. More than it ever has! (having a 1 and 2 year old was TOUGH). So when I feel torn between two things that I’m passionate about, I am reminding myself “too much good stuff!” HAHAHA I am a living AM PM ad. I have been reflecting at the end of every day on what I’m grateful for and what I want to change, and being present in whichever mode I’m in is a constant theme. When I’m with my boys, I try to stay off my phone. I will often leave my phone in the car (ok, that’s actually an accident) for the entire afternoon/evening and keep it in my bedroom some weekends. My phone often is a gateway to inspiration and ideas, but sometimes I have to even put a cork in those exciting feelings so I can be in the moment with my family. Read more>>

Jamelia Meridyth | Loan Officer

Over time, my perspective on work-life balance has evolved significantly as I’ve juggled the roles of a full-time mom and a loan officer. Initially, when I entered the workforce, my focus leaned heavily towards excelling in my career, often sacrificing personal time with my family. However, being a mother I needed to re-evaluate my priorities, highlighting the importance of quality time with my children. This shift prompted me to reassess and re-prioritize, striving for a healthier balance between my professional responsibilities and personal life. As I’ve navigated through the demands of both roles, I’ve learned to set boundaries between family time and working. Additionally, open communication with my clients which they are very understanding. Ultimately, my approach to work-life balance centers on prioritizing the well-being of my family while fulfilling my responsibilities as a loan officer, ensuring that I can cherish the moments spent with my children while still excelling in my career. Read more>>