Balancing life and entrepreneurship is different for everyone. I admit that I struggle to find balance. Often I’m told that because I’m single with no kids that I shouldn’t have any problems balancing. Welp, here’s the thing, because it’s only me the tendency to be a workaholic is strong. I am an entrepreneur, a reservist in the Navy, an actress, and a dance and acting instructor. All of that is work. And many times I have found myself doing nothing outside of work. Where is the balance? At least someone with kids and/or spouse/relationship can put work to the side and do something with them.
I have felt guilty for taking vacations although when I think about it I’ve only had 1 vacation this year that wasn’t work or family related. I went to NYC in June of this year for a bit of leisure and to see Anika Noni Rose in Carmen Jones at Classic Stage Company. I even got to spend some time with her while there. Did I feel guilty? Yes, I did. Was I still doing work? Yes. I don’t regret going because I hadn’t seen 2 of my friends in over 5 years. Wondering the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn with my friends was relaxing. Actually, it was therapeutic. This was the moment I realized how I lack balance in my life.
After my trip to NYC, I had travel to NC, FL, and Bahrain. My plan was to do work while on these trips. LOL! My ancestors had a different plan. While in Bahrain, I was going to complete a training course, but the internet was not strong enough to stream the videos. However, it was strong enough to stream Netflix. How could I be mad? I binged on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Rick & Morty. The long flights to Bahrain and back to the USA were spent watching movies. Is this what leisure feels like? Yes, yes it does.
Incorporating leisure activities into my schedule has now become a priority. I’m teaching myself to find balance without guilt. As I find this balance, I also realize that volunteering is not leisure to me, it’s still work. So, I don’t count volunteer time as leisure. Finding balance between life and entrepreneurship is a conscious action. I’m still working on it. I schedule it into my day. This is new for me, I’ll keep you posted on the results.
**UPDATE**
I’m no longer in the Navy. I served my time and collected my DD-214. Work life balance is still off, but I’m making progress. Instead of looking for the big activities that bring me joy, I’m focusing on the small ones. I’ve decided to get back to playing the piano. And not just playing the few songs I know how to play. I’m going to dig out my old books and return to the basics. I’ll be putting my Oktav subscription to use. Playing the piano makes me happy even when I mess up.
Voice acting is making a steady move forward. I needed to clear out some other things to truly make room for what it is that I want out of my career.
Perhaps 2023 will be the year that I accomplish things that I’ve always wanted and the year that I learn how to balance work and life.