Do You Need to Be a Workaholic to Succeed in Business? Honest Insights from Two Female Founders
Do You Need to Be a Workaholic to Succeed in Business?
Is it really necessary to be a workaholic to run a successful business? In this candid and powerful conversation, Cynthia and Jen dive deep into the myths and truths surrounding workaholism, especially among female entrepreneurs. From their own corporate pasts to building thriving businesses, they share what it really takes to succeed—without sacrificing your health or happiness.
The Workaholic Myth
Many people think that in order to succeed, especially in entrepreneurship, they must work around the clock. The glorification of hustle culture, often portrayed in media and by successful figures, can make it seem like being constantly busy is the only way forward.
But Cynthia and Jen disagree. Success doesn’t mean exhaustion. They both left high-stress corporate jobs in search of more fulfilling, balanced lives. And while they admit to moments of hustle, they emphasize that consistent overworking leads to burnout, not sustainable success.
Passion Over Pressure
One key takeaway from their discussion is the importance of doing something you love. Passion keeps you going through tough times. However, even passion has limits—especially when it begins to overtake your life.
Loving your work doesn’t mean you should work all the time. Cynthia shared how loving a corporate job still led her to unhealthy hours after having a baby. Jen opened up about reaching a point of burnout that forced her to create better systems and boundaries.
Creating Space for Success
Rather than working more, both women advocate working smarter. They’ve built businesses that allow them time with family, days off, and moments to breathe. It starts with discipline—blocking off your calendar, protecting your downtime, and learning how and when you work best.
They emphasize the need to plan your lifestyle first, then build your business around it—not the other way around. Whether it’s scheduling reading days or limiting podcast recordings to certain hours, they’ve crafted routines that serve both their business and their well-being.
The Role of Boundaries and Systems
Systems and boundaries are the backbone of a sustainable business. Jen discusses how blocking her schedule and batching similar tasks together increased her efficiency dramatically. Cynthia shares her approach to movement and health—recognizing that unless something is scheduled and structured, it often gets pushed aside.
Both founders agree that having supportive people around you, like coaches, team members, or family, can help keep you accountable to rest and recovery.
Know Yourself and Work With It
Understanding your personality type—whether through human design, Enneagram, or other assessments—can help you tailor your work habits in a way that plays to your strengths. Cynthia and Jen explore how knowing themselves has improved their productivity and helped them avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a workaholic to succeed. In fact, the most sustainable businesses are often built by those who prioritize ease, balance, and joy. Dedicate time to what matters, create space for rest, and align your business with the lifestyle you truly want.
Are you a workaholic or a recovering one? What’s worked for you? Share your tips with Cynthia and Jen on Instagram—they’d love to hear from you!
