Let’s be honest, working for yourself sounds like the dream, right? No boss, no clocking in, and the freedom to work in your pajamas if you want to. But here’s the thing no one tells you at first: when you’re your own boss, it’s really easy to become your own worst boss. That’s why learning how to balance life and work as your own boss is so important and often harder than it seems.
I’ve been there. Checking emails at 11 PM, working through weekends, saying “yes” to everything because I was afraid of missing out or losing momentum. Before I knew it, my work-life balance was just… work.
So if you’re in that place or trying to avoid getting there, here are a few things that helped me find some balance again. Nothing fancy, just real stuff that works (most days).
1. Start with boundaries, even if they’re small
If your laptop is always within reach, so is work. And that’s the trap. I started setting “working hours” for myself, like a normal job. 9 to 5, 10 to 6, whatever works for you. But the key is: when it’s done, it’s done. Close the laptop. Leave the workspace. No guilt.
Tip: If you work from a coworking space, physically leaving it helps your brain clock out too.
2. Don’t skip your mornings
When you work for yourself, it’s tempting to roll out of bed and start working immediately. I used to do this all the time. Now? I take my time in the morning coffee, stretch, maybe a walk, and then I start. It feels like I’m choosing to work, not being dragged into it. That tiny shift makes a huge difference.
3. Make plans after work
It sounds simple, but planning things in the evening dinner with a friend, a yoga class, even a sunset walk gives your day structure. It creates a “stop point” and something to look forward to that’s not work. It also helps remind you why you’re doing this: freedom, not just hustle.
4. Say no (or at least not right now)
When you’re building your thing, it’s so easy to feel like you have to take every client, every gig, every opportunity. But not everything is worth your time or your peace. You can say, “Thanks, but I can’t take this on right now.” That one sentence has saved me from burnout more than once.
5. Connect with people who get it
https://www.whiteforest.es/benefits-of-being-part-of-a-coworking-community/Working solo can get lonely. That’s why I love coworking spaces, not just for the fast Wi-Fi, but for the humans. People to chat with, bounce ideas off, or even just sit near while you work. When you feel seen and supported, you’re way less likely to spiral into overwork mode.
Final thought: Balance isn’t perfect. It shifts.
Some weeks are intense, others are chill. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be perfectly balanced every day, it’s to notice when you’re tipping too far in one direction and gently guide yourself back. You’re doing great. Keep going, but don’t forget to rest too. It takes practice. Sometimes it’s not easy. But having people around who share your mindset really helps. Being surrounded by a supportive, like-minded community can make all the difference. That’s why coworking makes a difference, it creates the environment, energy, and connections that help you stay grounded and inspired.
