A healthy work-life balance will mean different things to us all. Musicians and composers are generally passionate about their work and when deadlines are looming, it can be hard to take a break. Many will have a portfolio of work to make ends meet and competing priorities present a challenge when it comes to achieving work objectives let alone making time for other activities. Social life often revolves around music so you may still feel “on duty”.
A healthy balance could be:
- meeting your deadlines at work while still having time for friends and hobbies
- having enough time to sleep properly and eat well
- not worrying about work when you’re at home
The line between personal life and a musical career can be blurred and it is important to establish some control. The following skills and techniques can help:
- prioritise self-care and personal pursuits e.g. getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, doing exercise, and engaging in activities that promote mental health and well-being.
- set aside time for downtime including personal interests and hobbies outside of music, which can help to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Stick to your schedule.
- consider taking time off if you feel overwhelmed.
- setting boundaries and delegating responsibilities are key factors to manage the demands of the music world and keep a healthy work-life balance. You can’t be everywhere all the time, so try and delegate tasks to trusted collaborators or team members .
- share responsibilities between bandmates and be clear when setting expectations with partners, venues, and other industry professionals.
- give yourself permission to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities and goals.
- seek professional help if you’re struggling with maintaining work-life balance. Therapists or coaches who specialise in the music industry can offer valuable insights and strategies tailored to your specific needs. Mentorship or peer support may also be helpful.
- Turn off notifications outside of work hours.
- Set realistic expectations of what is achievable to avoid stress.
This will all help to reduce workload, support good mental health, and build a proper working environment, while still achieving professional goals.
How do I know if my work-life balance is healthy?
- You don’t feel like the demands of your work roles and personal obligations are constantly in conflict.
- You’re able to meet your work deadlines at work comfortably.
- You’re getting plenty of sleep at night and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
- You have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your hobbies.
- You feel like you’re spending enough time with family and friends.
- You don’t worry about work when you’ve stepped away from it.
- You feel like you’re being productive at work and making progress toward your professional goals, but you don’t feel like your whole identity hinges on your job.
- You’re taking holidays and a break when ill if you need it.
It can be easy to normalise working long hours or being under extreme stress, especially if we’ve been doing it for a long time or all our colleagues are in the same boat. Our assumptions and habits around work can become deep-rooted unless we take a step back once in a while.
The following steps can help identify how to make a change:
- Pause. Ask yourself: what’s currently causing me stress or unhappiness? How is that affecting my work and personal life? What am I prioritising? What am I losing out on?
We often don’t take the time to reflect on work until there’s a major life event, such as the birth of a child or the loss of someone close to us. But just pausing and thinking about your priorities can help you discover whether the way you’re living and working is right for you.
- Pay attention to your feelings. Now you’re more aware of your current situation, how does it make you feel? Are you fulfilled and happy or angry and resentful? Being aware of your feelings can help you decide which changes you want to make.
- Reprioritise. Think about what needs to change. For example, you might want to ask yourself if working long hours is worth losing out on family time or whether working weekends is worth losing out on your social life.
- Consider your alternatives. Is there anything at work you can change to meet your new priorities?
- Make changes
Pursuing a music career can be a slow process, fraught with successes and setbacks. If you are in it for the long haul, you can’t afford not to have a work life balance, you won’t be able to sustain the effort otherwise.
Staying motivated can be hard when facing defeats and frustrations. A daily routine of encouraging self-talk, visualisation, and goal-setting can really help you keep focused on your long-term objectives through difficult times.
If you need help with goal setting, see our How to Keep Motivated in Music resource. Recognise and celebrate small successes along the way. Achieving small goals can help to build morale and confidence.
The music field is highly competitive and rigorous, and maintaining a positive mindset and building a strong support network is really important. Time management, delegation, setting boundaries, and determining priorities are great strategies that can help you create a sustainable and satisfying career while enjoying a meaningful personal life.
Maintaining work-life balance offers numerous benefits that can enhance both your personal and professional life. Here are the benefits:
- Increased Creativity: A well-rested mind is a creative mind. Taking regular breaks and ensuring downtime allows your brain to process ideas and generate new ones. This can lead to better music production and innovative performances.
- Better Mental and Physical Health: Prioritising self-care and ensuring balance can lead to improved mental and physical health. This means more energy, better focus, and a greater ability to handle the demands of the music industry.
- Stronger Relationships: By dedicating time to family and friends, you can build stronger, more supportive relationships. These relationships provide a solid foundation that can help you navigate the challenges of your career.
- Longevity in the Industry: A balanced lifestyle can help you sustain a long and successful career in music. By avoiding burnout and maintaining good health, you’re more likely to stay passionate and productive in your work.
- Enhanced Productivity: When you’re well-rested and happy, you’re more productive. This means you can achieve more in less time, leaving more room for personal activities and relaxation.
