Achieving a Work/Life Balance

Neon sign inviting you to work harder. A healthy work/life balance is essential to sustain passion and prevent burnout.
Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is crucial for creatives to sustain their passion and prevent burnout. The media is full of stories about stressed out executives who reinvent themselves as artists or undertake a midlife apprenticeship – but it’s nigh on impossible for a carpenter or a fabric designer to reinvent themselves as a corporate high flier. People in the corporate sector might even have the luxury of going part-time while they pursue an art or trade as a hobby that becomes a side gig that becomes an income. Good luck with reversing that flow if you’re milliner. Drain layer. Gardener.

In the realm of arts and trades, finding a balance between the tensions of professional pursuits and personal well-being becomes an absolute priority. Sure, right? Sounds so easy but before you know it you’re working through the night, through the weekend, 24/7 no problem. That’s not unique to arts, trades, corporates, business, or even a job of any kind. We throw our lives at our work. Before you know it our precious lives are quickly fading echoes.

Actually, that’s if you’re lucky…

You know among your extended family and contacts there are people who’ve experienced mental and physical health issues that are at the very least catalysed by their daily work. Stress, trauma, long hours, disrupted sleep, drugs, alcohol, self medication, suicide. “It’s only rock ‘n’ roll” is not an acceptable, mature response.

Establishing clear boundaries and prioritising self-care are key to finding balance. Setting realistic goals and managing time efficiently helps creatives maintain a sense of control over their workload. Embrace creativity outside of work, explore new hobbies, and seek inspiration from diverse sources to reignite passion and prevent monotony. Collaborating with peers and mentors provides valuable support and guidance. Maybe do some volunteer work. A weekend workshop. Get a coach. Striking the right balance between work and personal life not only enhances overall well-being but also fuels creative growth, productivity, and long-term success.


Photo credit: Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash

Expressing Creativity through Trades

Photo by j.mt_photography: www.pexels.com/photo/man-forging-metal-3680094/Creative expression is not limited to traditional art forms. Painters, sculptors, and musicians are not the only people who can express themselves creatively. People who work in what used to be familiar and traditional trades such as potters, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and glassblowers use their skills to create works of art.

Today these ‘tradespeople’ are artists in their own right. They use their knowledge and expertise to create objects that are both functional and beautiful. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of their craft, and they are always looking for new ways to express themselves.

Today our everyday tradespeople can develop and use their skills to create artfully, and bring a touch of joy to their work lives – and to ours.

The plumber who devises a way to drain your basement. The panel beater who makes your car smooth again. Even the kid who serves your coffee in a delightful way. People who work with their hearts and hands in a way that they’re not just creating objects. They are also creating a sense of community. They are sharing their skills with others, and they are inspiring others to be creative. They are showing us that creativity is not limited to a select few. It’s something that we can all experience.

Looking for way that people express themselves creatively. You might feel inspired and ready to bring a new touch of creativity to your world too.


Photo credit: j.mt_photography on Pexels