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?

Lesley Clinton | Writer & Educator

Writing takes time and solitude, both of which are scarce for a woman with a bustling family life, a high-energy teaching career, and meaningful volunteer commitments. I have learned to grab snippets of time for creative work. When I was a young mother, I began investing a little time whenever I could find it, writing in the middle of the night or in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, then sending out my work to small online journals. With each rejection or acceptance from an editor, I gained new insight into the craft of writing and worked to improve. Wresting half-hours out of a packed day in order to produce creative work has taught me efficiency and patience. It has also prompted me to consider what value my work offers to readers. I have to fight with the schedule every day to keep this writing career going, and that struggle would prevent me from writing if I didn’t view the call to write as a both gift and an obligation. Read more>>

Dana LaRieal Morales | Holistic Process Strategist & Speaker

Work-life balance is something that every person needs to get a handle on whether full-time or part-time in their business because the truth is you are one person and burning the candle on both ends is going to take its toll no matter who you are or how successful you are. As a project manager, I am used to handling things. Making sure everyone is taken care of and not worrying about myself in the process. Over time, I found that this was taking a toll on my physical and mental wellbeing. We often don’t even realize it but it’s a bad precedent to take, trying to be everything to everybody all the time. I realized I had to take the rules of first responders to heart, if I take my oxygen mask off, I can’t help anyone. I must make sure I have the oxygen I need so I can do what needs to be done. Read more>>

Janelle Rendon | Blogger and Content Creator

When I worked a corporate job before I had kids, work/life balance was more black and white. And while it still had its challenges, I had a much firmer grasp on it, or at least knew when I was consciously crossing the line. But now as a stay-at-home mom and blogger, the lines have blurred a LOT. Capturing my life and my family through photos and video is part of the job. While it is convenient and natural in a lot of ways, it does still pull me away from my loved ones and sometimes I miss out on the present moment because I’m trying to capture it to share online. I have come to realize that sometimes one area (work or family) is going to win out. Sometimes I’m working with a brand or know that certain content would be meaningful to my audience, so I prioritize my work. Other times I put my phone down and focus on my family or the people I’m with because they are just more important. It’s a constant battle, but one I am grateful for. Read more>>

Denalyn Perez | Portrait Photographer

Work, Life, how do you balance it? Those who know me know that I’m always busy. If I’m not at work, I’m at church, if I’m not at church, I’m out shooting. Photography has been my “side job” for about five years now. I’ve had a full time job, and after work, and on weekends is when I book sessions. When I’m finally at home, you can catch me sitting in front of my laptop, editing the night away. You could say this balance is what converted me into a caffeine addict. I promise you, I cannot remember the last day I went without consuming caffeine. In the midst of all the business, I still make sure to take some time off to spend it with my family and my close friends. I am an ambivert, depending on the situation I find myself in, I could either be completely extroverted, or introverted. I love being with my people, and getting loud, but I also love a day in, snuggled up in bed, with a book, or a movie. Read more>>