Laura Varela Fallas: Balancing Family and Career

Balancing a thriving career with family life is something many of us strive for, yet it often feels like a juggling act that never quite settles. As someone who has walked that path—both the highs and the inevitable moments of doubt—I’ve learned firsthand that it’s not about achieving a perfect balance, but about creating harmony in a way that works for you and your loved ones.

When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I was full of ambition, energy, and ideas. But I quickly realized that as much as I wanted to give 100% to my business, my heart was also deeply rooted in my family. Trying to do it all—be the successful entrepreneur and the present, engaged family member—was, at times, overwhelming. I’ve had to learn, often the hard way, how to balance my passion for work with the need to nurture my relationships at home.

This article is a reflection of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It’s my way of saying to you, “Yes, it’s possible to have both a fulfilling career and a happy family life.” It won’t always be easy, but it’s achievable with the right mindset, boundaries, and support systems in place.

The Challenges of Juggling Career and Family

When I think back to the early days of building my career, the biggest challenge was time—or rather, the lack of it. I often felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day to manage everything. I’d pour myself into my work, only to realize I was missing important moments with my family. It’s a reality I know many entrepreneurs face: the constant tug of war between professional aspirations and personal responsibilities.

One of the most difficult emotions I had to grapple with was guilt. There were days when I felt guilty for working late instead of spending time with my loved ones. And other days, I felt guilty for stepping away from my work to focus on family. It was as if no matter what I did, something was always being sacrificed.

Burnout is another challenge I faced more times than I’d like to admit. The pressure to be “on” all the time—to keep growing my business, to keep showing up for my family, to be everything to everyone—left me mentally and physically exhausted. I’ve learned that burnout doesn’t just affect your work; it spills into your personal life too. When you’re drained, it’s hard to be present, and both your business and family relationships suffer.

One specific moment that stands out to me was when I missed an important family gathering because of a work deadline I couldn’t ignore. At the time, I told myself it was just a one-off situation, but it hit me hard when I realized how many moments like that I was willing to sacrifice for the sake of my career. It became clear that if I didn’t find a better way to manage my time and energy, I was going to lose out on more than just family events—I would lose the balance I wanted so badly.

These challenges are real, and they don’t disappear overnight. But they’ve taught me valuable lessons about what it means to be fully present in both areas of my life. Acknowledging these struggles was the first step toward creating a healthier balance.

Setting Boundaries: The Key to Success

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is the power of setting boundaries. Without them, I found myself pulled in every direction—responding to work emails during family dinners, taking calls on weekends, and never truly being present in either my work or my personal life. It was as if I was always “on,” and I realized that I needed to define clearer lines between my roles as an entrepreneur and as a family member.

For me, setting boundaries started with small changes. I made a commitment to stop checking work emails after a certain hour in the evening. It was tough at first—I felt like I might miss something important. But over time, I realized that nothing was ever as urgent as I’d imagined. The world didn’t stop just because I took a few hours in the evening to focus on my family.

I also set specific hours for “family time,” where work simply wasn’t allowed. During those hours, I turned off my phone, closed my laptop, and gave my full attention to my family. It was liberating to create that space, and the difference it made in both my productivity and my relationships was undeniable.

One practical tip that helped me was scheduling everything—literally everything. I treated family events, self-care, and even downtime as non-negotiable appointments on my calendar. By blocking off time for personal activities, I ensured that they were just as much a priority as business meetings or deadlines.

The key to success in balancing both worlds is respecting the boundaries you set. It’s easy to let work creep in, especially when you’re passionate about what you do. But I found that when I honored those boundaries, I became more focused and effective in both areas. Work didn’t suffer, and my relationships thrived because I was fully present when I needed to be.

Embracing Flexibility

While setting boundaries is essential, I’ve also learned that flexibility is just as important. Life, especially as an entrepreneur, rarely goes according to plan. There are days when a project demands more time than expected, or a family situation arises that needs immediate attention. In those moments, I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to bend the rules when necessary.

Flexibility doesn’t mean abandoning structure; it means knowing when to adapt without feeling like you’re failing. Early in my career, I used to beat myself up if I had to reschedule family time for work or miss a business meeting due to a family obligation. But over time, I realized that life is full of unexpected events, and the ability to adjust gracefully is a strength, not a weakness.

I’ve had days where an important business opportunity came up suddenly, and I had to shift family plans. On the flip side, I’ve had moments where I had to step away from work to take care of my family. Both situations required flexibility, and I’ve learned not to feel guilty about it. The key is to communicate with both my family and my business partners so they understand when adjustments need to be made.

One thing I’ve found helpful is leaving space in my schedule for the unexpected. Instead of filling every hour with tasks, I leave blocks of time open each week. These moments of flexibility give me breathing room to handle whatever comes up without feeling like I’m falling behind or neglecting either part of my life.

Embracing flexibility also means being kind to yourself. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. The important part is knowing when to shift and when to stand firm. It’s about creating a rhythm that works for you, one that allows you to meet both personal and professional commitments with grace.

Prioritizing Self-Care and Family Time

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. When I first started juggling family life and my career, I often neglected my own well-being. I thought that by constantly pushing myself—working long hours, saying yes to everything, and always putting my family and business first—I could somehow be everything to everyone. But in reality, I was burning out.

It became clear to me that in order to be fully present for my family and fully engaged in my business, I had to take care of myself first. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Whether it’s something as simple as going for a walk, reading a book, or setting aside time to relax, prioritizing my own health and happiness has allowed me to show up better for the people I love and the work I’m passionate about.

I’ve found that carving out time for self-care also sets a powerful example for my family. By taking time to recharge, I’m showing my children and my team that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a priority. It’s okay to take breaks, to rest, and to refocus. When I’m in a good place mentally and physically, everything else flows more smoothly.

The same goes for family time. I’ve learned that being intentional about the time I spend with my family makes a world of difference. Instead of being distracted by work during family dinners or worrying about my next meeting during weekends, I now set aside moments where my family gets my full attention. Whether it’s a movie night, a day at the beach, or just a quiet evening at home, those moments are sacred.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of entrepreneurship, but I’ve realized that my family is my anchor. Prioritizing them doesn’t mean sacrificing my career; it means ensuring that the most important relationships in my life are nurtured. By filling my own cup and spending meaningful time with my loved ones, I’ve found that I’m more creative, more focused, and more fulfilled in both my work and my personal life.

Support Systems: Leveraging Family and Professional Networks

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t do everything alone—and that’s okay. Building a strong support system has been crucial to balancing my career and family life. At first, I thought I had to handle everything on my own. But as my business grew and my family needs evolved, I realized that leaning on others isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart strategy.

In my personal life, my family has been my rock. Whether it’s my partner stepping in to take care of things at home when I’m busy with work, or my parents helping with the kids, I’ve learned the value of asking for help. Sometimes, just having a close friend to talk to about the challenges I’m facing can be enough to keep me grounded. My family reminds me of why I do what I do, and they’ve always been there to offer love and encouragement when I need it most.

On the professional side, building a strong network has been equally important. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who understand the entrepreneurial journey and are always willing to offer advice or lend a helping hand. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals has not only helped me grow my business but also allowed me to share the load when things get overwhelming.

For example, when I first started out, I tried to manage every aspect of my business—marketing, finances, operations—on my own. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed to delegate. Hiring a great team and trusting them to handle specific tasks has freed up time for me to focus on what I do best while also ensuring I have time for my family.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of asking for help. Whether it’s asking my partner to pick up the kids or reaching out to a colleague for business advice, I’ve realized that no one expects me to do it all alone. In fact, by building a network of support, I’ve been able to find balance and thrive in both my personal and professional life.

Empowering Other Women to Do the Same

As I’ve navigated the complexities of balancing a career and family, I’ve realized how important it is to empower other women to do the same. In my journey, I’ve come across countless women who are equally ambitious, talented, and passionate but often face similar struggles in finding that elusive balance. I’ve made it a personal mission to mentor and support women, sharing the lessons I’ve learned so that they too can thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is mentoring young women entrepreneurs who are just starting their journeys. I’ve found that so many of them feel the pressure to choose between their careers and their families, or they’re unsure of how to make it all work. My advice to them is always the same: you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you, and that looks different for everyone.

I share with them the tools that have helped me—setting boundaries, embracing flexibility, and prioritizing self-care. I remind them that it’s okay to ask for help and to lean on the support systems around them. Sometimes, all it takes is a little encouragement to help someone realize that they can achieve both their career goals and maintain a fulfilling personal life.

More importantly, I remind women that they don’t have to follow a traditional path to success. I’ve learned that the entrepreneurial journey is unique for everyone, and the way we define success can—and should—be personal. For me, success is not just about building a thriving business but also about raising a happy family and maintaining a healthy balance between the two.

The more I’ve shared my story and the lessons I’ve learned, the more I’ve seen other women begin to believe in their own abilities to juggle it all. It’s a privilege to be in a position where I can offer guidance and support, and I truly believe that by lifting each other up, we can all succeed.

Conclusion

Balancing a career and family is never easy, but it’s certainly possible. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that it’s not about achieving perfection—because let’s face it, that doesn’t exist—but about finding a rhythm that works for you. The journey has taught me to be kinder to myself, to accept that there will be ups and downs, and to lean on the people around me for support.

Through the challenges, I’ve learned that setting boundaries, embracing flexibility, prioritizing self-care, and building strong support systems are key to maintaining balance. Most importantly, I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. Whether it’s leaning on family, friends, or professional networks, the more we rely on each other, the stronger we become.

As a woman entrepreneur, I’m passionate about sharing these insights with others, especially with women who are walking the same path. It’s my hope that by sharing my story, I can help others see that they too can have a fulfilling career and a happy family life. It may not always be smooth sailing, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s absolutely possible to thrive in both areas.

Remember, it’s okay to take things one day at a time. It’s okay to make adjustments along the way. And most importantly, it’s okay to define success on your own terms. You’ve got this.