Bridget Willard is a Freelance Marketing Consultant and social media manager, specialising in specialize in building brand awareness on Twitter for WordPress agencies and products.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I got my college degree for teaching but had a background in administrative work. After I figured out parents are the worst bosses, I went back to the office, got into accounting, and then started doing marketing work out of necessity in 2009.

In 2015 I became a Marketing Manager for an advertising company who specialized in franchise development and nonprofits. In 2017, I became a full-time freelance marketing consultant and social media manager.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

My work day is pretty typical; I’m a huge believer in time blocking. Wake up at 7am and drink coffee and check on client notifications for Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Then I shower (sometimes exercise), eat breakfast, and then sit at my desk for the writing work. 

I take a break on my balcony around 10:30 am, eat lunch at noon, and close down the shop around 4:00 pm daily. If you don’t keep your own boundaries, why would anyone else?

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

Since I am a full time freelancer, it’s remote or bust. I wouldn’t go back into an office again unless the pay was north of $100k a year with huge benefits.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

Work life balance is a mirage everyone is chasing. It’s not about working for four hours and sitting on the beach the rest of the time. Rather, it’s about your mentality. It’s about boundaries. It’s about making time for the people and hobbies that are important to you.

5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

In the past twelve months, I have gotten more serious about practicing yoga with Sarah Beth Yoga on YouTube and Headspace meditation. 

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

I just finished reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott; it is amazing! Her writing is so fun.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

I couldn’t live without fast WiFi, my Macbook Pro, Twitter (of course), Hootsuite, and Canva. Not to mention, Dropbox and Google Drive. 

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?  

Work life balance isn’t a formula; it’s a mentality. It’s personal to each situation. I don’t idolize anyone anymore. I honor myself, my plants, and my clients.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

When you get stuck, stop trying. Do something different. Leave the office (house) and go for a walk. Take a drive. Do a puzzle. Call a friend. Don’t just sit and ruminate. It’s not good for your quality of work or your mental health.

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This conversation is brought to you by holistic health expert Josephine Zappia, helping individuals globally achieve wellness from within.