A host of factors, developments, and dynamics have made most industries more competitive than ever.  As a result so many of us wonder whether there is still such a think as work-life balance. We reached out to community to hear perspectives on finding the right balance.

Olga Hashim | Illustrator

Over the years I definitely grew to appreciate the balance a lot. I used to be the one checking my emails right after waking up, skipping lunches in favor of getting more done (or snack on something not so healthy instead) and guilt myself into work on the weekends. Luckily, I gradually came to realize the importance of work and life balance and how it effects me physically and mentally. I’m a workaholic, so something that really helped me to re-evaluate my habits was to start looking at them from a different perspective. Read more>>

DeAnna Rivers | yle Blogger & Interior Designer

My work-life balance has changed over the past three years. For my full-time job during the day I try to have a hard stop around 5 pm. That way once I come home, I can decompress, eat dinner, and then switch to working on my blog in the evening. However, my time spent working in the evening has changed. I am more intentional about the time spent during the evening into the night. Time blocking has been a lifesaver and I only want to spend about 3-4 hours working. Read more>>

Astoria Stubbs | Master Hairstylist/Barber & Educator

Is there really work life balance? I mean we say that so loosely but in actuality can it really ever be balanced. I like to think of it as work life integration. To be honest I use to really think i could balance it all, and i tried for a while until i realize other thinks would get left out or looked over and not get priority when needed. Over the past few years i have gotten better at integrating work and life together. I actually schedule time to be with friends and family even if its during a work trip. Read more>>

Erin Erger | Attorney, Jewelry Business Owner, & Mom

When I started my small business, I had a contract position that had flexible hours and my husband and I had no children yet. Therefore, I had a lot more time to devote to my small business and a pretty easy work/life balance. Now, fast forward 2.5 years later, I have a different job that is 40 hours a week in downtown Houston, a super active 16 month old, and this small business. Therefore, I am constantly getting pulled in different directions. Read more>>

Debbie Nguyen | Makeup Artist & Salon Owner

Work life balance has been the most challenging aspect for me on many levels. I own, operate and work for both my companies, Charlize Alexandra Salon and Pink Palette Artists. I have 2 little girls 7 and 11, who are my biggest fans. I’m married to an amazing man, who is super ambitious and is always 1000% supportive with everything I do. I come from a big family that is always cheering me on in life. I have the greatest friends a girl can ever ask for that are always with me every step of the way. Read more>>