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?

Ryan Reitmeyer | Product Designer & Entrepreneur

Before I made the decision to start my own business I read a quote from Debbie Millman, a designer who I greatly admire. She said “I do not believe in work-life balance.” This quote struck me because I realized that I was spending my time in a job that I was not willing to commit to fully. Now that I own my own business all of my decisions and time commitments inform my passion for design and I am lucky enough to have created a company that allows me to earn a living from those decisions. In a sense, work and life are one-in the same. I think this is what Millman was alluding to in her quote? Read more>>

Ariel Glaze | LPC, Mental Health, Beauty and Lifestyle Vlogger

My work life balance has changed so much, especially during this pandemic. I’ve realized that I need much more time for self care than usual, and realized areas in my life where I neglected my self care. Now, I do check ins with myself to meditate in the morning, afternoon and at night in order to regain focus, stay positive and intentional with my thoughts and my work day. Read more>>

Ashley Arrington | CEO, Founder & Phlebotomist

I was called to be a leader of an organization that would require me to be focused, in tune, and intentional in how I steward myself. Balance is the foundational structure of my life. This fact is one of the simplest factors that under gird my work. I discovered my purpose when I was able to gain balance. Then, realized the importance of maintaining that balance or I would fail my calling. Looking back over the years, jobs have revealed that I am a nurturer. Even now, while being employed as a phlebotomist at a men’s wellness clinic, I have enjoyed spreading love and joy in the workplace. This job has taught me more than ever to be punctual, assertive, and the importance of having a work life balance. Read more>>

Ryan Taylor | Barber, Owner & Operator

Coming from a working class upbringing, and having mostly grunt jobs that I wasn’t passionate about but had to hustle with to keep has been a major influence on my career as a barber and as a business owner. When I first got my license I wasn’t good, at least I didn’t have the confidence to put myself and my clients at ease. But what I did have was that old school work ethic, so if I had a particularly slow day I would just stay a couple hours late at the shop. I would weed out your options for a barber-everyone else has gone home, I’m all you got type deal. And thankfully that kinda put your head down and grind it out mentality served me well work wise, I made more money than I ever had that first year and I was able to tuck some away. That gave me some cushion to look into opening my own spot. Read more>>

Sarni Jaye | Public Relations Pro & Workplace Wellness Expert

Work-life balance is one of those concepts that is literally key to our wellness as human beings but that we often don’t think about until we reach a point of unwellness that forces us to do so. When we’re younger, we have boundless energy, fewer life demands, and a feeling of invincibility. For me, it wasn’t getting smacked by the fact that I am not invincible that made me seek balance—it was first realizing that people I care about aren’t. When you see the passage of time unfolding literally in the aging faces of your family, the increase of hospital visits and funerals, or cracking knees (whatever gets your attention lol), your relationship with time changes. Everyone in my family has a strong work ethic; my grandfather never truly retired, he just shifted his work to helping friends with their businesses and to nurturing his farm. Read more>>

Susan Casias | The Sales Energizer

When I first started my business it seemed like I was working 40 hours a day. There was absolutely no balance in my life at all, and everything reflected that. Everything felt like a struggle and I kept clients that ate up a lot of my time and paid very little for it. Five years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to focus on myself. I am cancer free now and my business is flourishing because I was forced to embrace balance. I can tell you that the day I started taking time for myself, my power of attraction increased exponentially and my business, bank account and “me time” grew with it. It was hard. I had to take a lot of leaps of faith. Yes, I did fail sometimes, just not as much and with greater rewards in the long run. Delegating was a big key. Read more>>