A plate spinning life

May 1, 2025

Juggling multiple commitments is a familiar reality for many of us. Whether it’s the demands of a full-time job alongside family life, the pursuit of passions alongside daily routines, or navigating a mix of interests, it often feels like we’re all spinning plates. For me, this involves a full-time job, being a member of a busy choir, and my handmade jewellery and doodle art business – a demanding yet fulfilling combination.

The art of not burning dinner (and everything else!)

It’s similar to managing multiple pots on a stove. You need to keep an eye on each one, adjusting the heat, stirring occasionally, and ensuring nothing boils over while everything cooks through at the right pace – constant vigilance and swift shifts in focus.

Time management

My full-time job demands proactivity and keen attention to detail. Self-study before choir rehearsals and performances is non-negotiable, and my creative business requires consistent effort for production, marketing, and sales, but time to make beautiful things is as important as the other priorities; otherwise, what am I marketing?

Photo by Xingchen Yan on Unsplash

Energy levels

Staying energised and motivated across all these areas equally is impossible; I’ve learnt that I have to fail in some areas to give focus to others in specific seasons. Burnout is a real threat, and knowing when to rest is crucial.

Photo by Gio Bartlett on Unsplash

Prioritisation

Deciding which task takes precedence when everything feels equally important often requires tough choices and a flexible approach to scheduling.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Mental clarity

Switching gears between vastly different tasks – from complex spreadsheets to singing to sketching – can be mentally taxing, but planning the ‘right switch’ to what my brain can cope with, or could benefit from at any given moment, can help to calm my mind.

It’s a delicate dance, and plates will inevitably wobble, but the key is learning to catch them before they crash.

The benefits of a multifaceted life

Despite the challenges, the rewards of managing multiple income streams and passions are huge!

Creative fulfillment
Each of my pursuits feeds a different part of my soul. My full-time job provides challenge and intellectual stimulation, choir offers emotional encouragement, a sense of community and tension release, and my creative business allows me to find a sense of calm and express my artistic vision.

Skill development
Juggling diverse activities forces you to develop a wide range of skills, from time management and organisation to marketing and artistic techniques.

Personal growth
Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new challenges fosters personal growth and resilience.

A passion-driven life
Life is too short not to pursue the things you love. Having multiple passions keeps life interesting and fulfilling.

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

Advice for fellow plate spinners

If you’re also navigating the world of multiple income streams and interests, here are some tips that have helped me:

Schedule, schedule, schedule

A detailed schedule is your best friend. Block out time for different activities, including breaks and downtime. Use physical or digital calendars, mindmaps, planners, and to-do lists to stay organised.

Prioritise and delegate

Learn to prioritise tasks and delegate when possible. Ask for help from family, friends, colleagues or by using virtual tools.

Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Unsplash

Set realistic goals

Don’t try to do everything at once. Set realistic goals for each area of your life and celebrate your progress along the way.

Batch similar tasks

Group similar tasks together to minimise mental switching. For example, dedicate a few hours to jewellery making, then a few hours to editing captured progress video clips for social media and marketing, saving them somewhere handy for quick access later on.

Adapt and flex

Be prepared to adjust your schedule and priorities as needed. Flexibility is key to avoiding stress and burnout.

Protect time for yourself

Don’t neglect your physical and mental health. Schedule time for rest and for activities that recharge your batteries.

Use your passions to fuel each other

Sometimes, inspiration from one part of your life can spark creativity in another. For example, a song from a choir session might inspire a new jewellery design or drawing.

Celebrate the small wins

It is easy to get caught up in the stress of doing so many things. Remember to celebrate the small wins, whether it be a new sale or a successful performance.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Finding your balance

The art of juggling multiple income streams and passions is deeply personal. What works for one won’t necessarily work for another. There will be days of exhilaration and days of feeling stretched thin. The key is to experiment, listen to your rhythm, and consistently realign with your core motivations.

Celebrate every step forward, learn from the stumbles, and let your passions continue to ignite your path. Believe in your ability to find your way!

Thea x