9-5 By Day, Creative CEO By Night: How I Balance Both Worlds

Zoe J Felix
Dec 29, 2025
2 min read

Let’s talk about it, having a full-time job AND running a creative brand isn’t for the weak. I do both, and while it’s not always easy, it’s shaping me in ways I never expected.

People love to glamorize the soft life, but the truth is: sometimes the soft life comes with structure, sacrifice, and discipline. My 9-5 teaches me skills that directly pour into Twiggy Versatile: how to manage campaigns, communicate clearly, hit deadlines, analyze data, and advocate for myself even when it feels uncomfortable. Corporate may not be my final destination, but it has absolutely been part of my training ground.

Still, let’s be honest. There are days where it feels like I’m living two lives. Where I’m switching from work Zoe to creative Zoe in seconds. Where I’m editing reels on lunch breaks, writing blog posts late at night, or squeezing in dance class between tasks because that’s what keeps my spirit alive.

And yes, it gets overwhelming. It’s easy to feel guilty for not doing enough in either space. But what I’ve learned is this: you can hold multiple dreams at the same time without diminishing any of them.

The Struggles No One Talks About:

Feeling creatively drained after a long workday
Wanting to say yes to every opportunity, but realizing your body says otherwise
The guilt of choosing rest over productivity
Balancing ambition with burnout prevention
Trying to grow your personal brand while also growing in your career

The Unexpected Blessings:

Structure from your 9-5 helps your creative brand run smoother
Learning how to stand on business professionally
Financial stability makes creative risks feel less scary
Corporate challenges make you a stronger creative leader
Work-life balance teaches you boundaries that help your artistry thrive

Tips to Balance Both:

Time block like your life depends on it – Give your creativity a window just like you give your job.
Batch content on weekends – Free up weekdays for rest or engagement.
Use your job skills for your creative brand – Corporate teaches you strategy; apply it.
Honor your energy – Some days you can do it all. Some days you can’t. Both are okay.
Outsource when you can – You don’t have to do everything alone.

I don’t want to stay in corporate forever, but I’m thankful it’s giving me tools for my next level. Because the dream is freedom, but the journey builds foundation.

Are you a full-time content-creator? If so, how do you balance everything? For my people who work a 9-5 and also have a creative business on the side, how do you stay afloat ?

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