We had the good fortune of connecting with Charley Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charley, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Although the transition from college to the workforce was not as difficult as I expected, establishing work life balance has been quite challenging. I graduated college about a year and a half ago but it feels like it was just yesterday. I went from being about to work out in between classes, hang out with friends at various times of the day, staying up late until the wee hours of the morning and still was able to function, to having to make sure I get 8 hours of sleep every night, work 8 hours a day, finding time to go to a workout class, cook dinner, trying to schedule to see friends weeks in advance, and make sure I spend time with family. However, I have established the amount of sleep I need to perform my best at work, what days I feel most up to working out, and sitting down a couple times a month to plan my social calendar seems to work the best for me. It has definitely been an adjustment for me, and when they say “life doesn’t get easier,” which is probably true but I will say it does get more manageable and you develop a routine that works best for you over time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I graduated from Meredith College almost two years ago and majored in Interior Design which is now my full-time career at a firm here in Raleigh and I absolutely love it. In addition, I provide marketing services to a couple of local businesses and in my free-time, enjoy being a part-time content creator on Instagram. I share fashion, interiors, and lifestyle posts on, “A Daily Dose of Charley.” I have also recently started an event rentals business that also offers decorative tablescape materials and embroidered table linens. Having my toes dipped in different industries has helped me grow professionally because it has allowed me to figure out what I actually love doing along with networking and connecting with other professionals which has already opened so many different doors and opportunities for me. I am immensely passionate about everything I do and I am beyond thankful for the constant support I have had from my family and friends to help me get to where I am today and continuing to push me. Although nothing is ever easy, I strongly feel that if you have a strong support system and thoroughly enjoy what you do, the drive and persistence will be there to push you forward and help you achieve your goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, this is a fun one! We would always start the day off at Jubala to grab a latte and one of their infamous waffles or biscuits. Then, we would head to Woodhouse Spa for a little R&R or YoBa Studio for a much needed yoga class in preparation for all of the retail therapy to come. But first, that would obviously work up an appetite which calls for an Italian sandwich from Bongiorno & Son or lunch Coquette for a little French cuisine. Concluding lunch is always my favorite part of any trip, shopping! North Hills and Fenton are my go-to’s. From Monkee’s of Raleigh and Vermillion are always a must to shop the latest fashions. The North Carolina Museum of Art is always enjoyable and inspiring along with perusing the streets of Paris, I mean Lafayette Village in North Raleigh! We would have to go on a walk on the greenway as well! For dinner, Vivace or Oak Steakhouse is always a must and post-dinner cocktails at Barcelona Wine Bar or Botanical Lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first answer will always be my family! I have the best support system. I come from a family where everyone has always worked hard to achieve their goals, therefore, I have always been pushed to work hard, dream big, and remember that it is okay to fail, just never give up. They are there to celebrate my achievements and but they are also there when I am facing hardship — I am beyond blessed.

My second answer are the teachers and professors that I still keep in touch with to this day. They played a major role in my personal growth, not only academically, but helped me grow during the most crucial developmental stages of life mentally. They too taught me perseverance, how to work with others that may think differently than me, how to be strong, I could go on for days. So, I thank you all!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adailydoseofcharley

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charley-thompson-a5753b160?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: LikeToKnow: https://tr.ee/tF1k1YXEDS

Image Credits
Dustin Peck Photography Graesyn Lockhart Illustrations Sara Izzi

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