How to set boundaries
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Work Life Balance That Actually Works
Work life balance is something a lot of us want — and yet, it often feels completely out of reach. Between demanding careers, family responsibilities, and the constant pressure to keep up, “balance” can start to feel like a nice idea instead of something that’s actually possible.
In this episode of It’s About Time, Anna sits down with content strategist and educator Em Connors for a refreshingly honest conversation about what work life balance really looks like in real life. Together, they talk about simplifying your workload, creating flexible structure, and building support so your work can fit your life — not compete with it. Whether you’re thriving in your career, juggling a side project, or just craving more breathing room, this episode offers a calmer, more realistic way forward.
Key Takeaways
- Redefine work life balance as alignment — not perfection
- Simplify your work by intentionally doing less
- Use flexible structure instead of rigid schedules
- Build support systems at work and at home
- Focus on presence, not just productivity
A More Realistic Take on Work Life Balance
One of the things Em shares so clearly in this conversation is that balance isn’t about equal hours or perfectly planned days. For her, it’s about fit — building work around the season of life she’s in.
Her business was intentionally created to support school drop-offs, pick-ups, and afternoons filled with kids’ activities. Instead of forcing her life to fit into her work, she designed her work to fit into her life. And that mindset shift alone makes balance feel far more achievable.
Why Doing Less Actually Helps You Do Better
Em is a big believer in “less is more,” and she lives that out in how she runs her business. She doesn’t try to be everywhere online. She keeps her tools simple. And she regularly asks herself what can be removed, simplified, or delegated.
That simplicity creates space — space to focus, space to breathe, and space to be present. If work life balance feels hard right now, this episode is a good reminder that sometimes the answer isn’t adding more… it’s letting go.
Flexible Structure Beats Rigid Schedules
Another big takeaway from this episode is Em’s approach to structure. She doesn’t follow super rigid schedules or theme her days down to the minute — because that just doesn’t work for her.
Instead, she uses loose rhythms and general focus areas for her days and weeks, then adjusts based on energy and priorities. That flexibility keeps her consistent without feeling boxed in, which makes work life balance feel sustainable instead of stressful.
Why Support Makes Balance Possible
Work life balance doesn’t happen in isolation — and Em is very open about that. In her business, she has support in the form of a virtual assistant, a brand strategist, and a podcast editor. At home, she and her husband share responsibilities and communicate clearly about what needs to get done.
That support allows her to focus on what she does best and let go of the rest. And it’s a powerful reminder that balance isn’t about doing everything yourself — it’s about building the right team around you.
Presence Over Productivity
Throughout the conversation, Em comes back to one core idea: being busy doesn’t equal being present. She’s intentional about putting her phone away, ending her workday early enough to decompress, and being fully there when her kids are home.
It’s a helpful reminder that work life balance isn’t measured by how productive you look — it’s measured by how connected you feel.
Give Yourself Some Grace
One of the most grounding parts of this episode is Em’s emphasis on self-kindness. Not every day goes as planned. Not every task gets done. And instead of spiraling into guilt, she adapts and moves on.
That mindset — paired with flexible structure and strong support — is what makes work life balance something you can actually sustain.
About the Em Connors
Em Connors is a content strategist, educator, and the founder of The Creative Bodega. She helps women simplify their marketing, create consistent content, and build businesses that support their lives instead of consuming them. Her work is rooted in clarity, creativity, and a less-is-more approach to growth.
Episode Links & Resources
- 📲 Connect with Em Connors on Instagram
- 💻 Check out The Creative Bodega
- 👯♀️ Learn More about The Content Coven
Related Episodes
- Ep. 260 – The Overwhelm Epidemic: What the Past can Teach Us About Work-Life Balance (And What to Do About It) ft. Jenny Powers
- Ep. 225 – Are You Making This Work/Life Balance Mistake? Hint: It’s Not 50/50
- Ep. 120 – Running on Routines: How to simplify and systemize your unique rhythm for work, life and balance with Alexandra Beauregard
If work life balance has felt like something you’re constantly chasing, this episode is a reminder that it can look different — and it can work.
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