Balancing work and passion is something I’ve had to figure out over the years, and honestly, it’s shaped who I am today. From being a curious kid tinkering with computers to building a career and businesses I’m proud of, it’s been a wild but fulfilling ride. So how do I balance it all? Let me share my story and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Finding balance is about knowing what matters most and making time for it.
- Being open to learning and trying new things keeps life exciting.
- It’s okay to fail; the key is to bounce back and keep going.
- Passion and work can go hand in hand if managed well.
Amar Karthik’s Early Days: Turning Loneliness into a Strength
When I was a kid, I didn’t have a lot of friends, and loneliness could have been a tough pill to swallow. But instead of letting it bring me down, I found comfort and excitement in my computer and the internet. It all started with a random search: “How to earn money online.” That’s where everything began for me.
Earning my first dollar at the age of 12 was a huge moment—not because of the money, but because it showed me what was possible. It was my first step toward something bigger, and it gave me a sense of purpose. Looking back, I’m so glad I took that step, even though I had no idea where it would lead.
Even at that young age, I realized the importance of being proactive. I didn’t wait for opportunities to come to me—I created them. This habit has stayed with me and continues to be a guiding principle in how I approach both work and passion.
Learning, Growing, and Starting UnikBrushes
By the time I was 14, I had started my own little design business, UnikBrushes. Back then, I was juggling schoolwork with learning HTML, CSS, and PHP—all on my own, through trial and error. My first paid project earned me just $3 for a homepage design, but that $3 felt like a million bucks at the time.
Balancing school and work wasn’t easy, but my passion for designing websites kept me going. I made sure to carve out time for both. Those years taught me how to manage my time and energy, lessons that still help me today. Looking back, I’m grateful for the early challenges because they built my discipline and resilience.
Scaling Up and Building a Team
In 2021, I officially registered UnikBrushes as a company. This was a huge milestone for me. I even hired a small team to help take the business to the next level. We started offering everything from web design to SEO and digital marketing.
I’ll be honest—managing a team while handling client projects wasn’t always smooth sailing. But learning to delegate tasks and trust others made all the difference. It freed me up to focus on bigger goals, like growing the business and staying true to my creative passions.
One thing I’ve learned is that growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Building a team wasn’t something I had experience with, but I took the leap and figured it out along the way. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Passion Projects That Mean the World to Me
One of the coolest things about balancing work and passion is that they can overlap. That’s exactly what happened with two of my favorite projects: LearnyHive and Friendometry.
LearnyHive is an educational platform I co-founded in 2022 to help engineering students prepare for exams. It’s been so rewarding to combine my love for technology and education into something that makes a difference. Seeing students benefit from the platform is a constant reminder of why I do what I do.
Then there’s Friendometry, a platform that helps kids find friends—something I could’ve really used as a child. Becoming a partner in this mission felt personal and meaningful. It’s not just work; it’s a way to give back. The thought that we’re helping kids and their families build connections is incredibly fulfilling.
How Amar Karthik Balance It All
Here’s what’s worked for me when it comes to balancing work and passion:
Setting Priorities
I focus on what truly matters, whether it’s a project deadline or spending time on a passion project. Learning to say “no” to things that don’t align with my goals has been crucial.
Managing Time Wisely
Tools like task lists and calendar blocking help me stay on track. I also make it a point to schedule downtime to avoid burnout.
Never Stop Learning
I’m always exploring new skills and trends to keep things fresh and exciting. Whether it’s a new design tool or a marketing strategy, staying curious keeps me motivated.
Taking Breaks
Riding my motorcycle on weekends through scenic routes or spending time outdoors recharges me. These moments of freedom and relaxation help me stay focused during the week.
Being Flexible
Life doesn’t always go as planned, so I’ve learned to adapt and roll with the punches. Flexibility allows me to tackle challenges without losing sight of the bigger picture.
“You don’t have to choose between work and passion. You can make space for both and let them fuel each other.”
The Challenges I’ve Faced
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. There have been setbacks, like failed business ideas and the struggle to balance education with work. But every challenge has taught me something valuable. The failures, especially, have been some of my greatest teachers.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey. Every time something didn’t work out, it pushed me to think differently and come up with better solutions.
A Peek Into My Day
People often ask me how I fit everything into my day. Here’s a glimpse of my daily routine:
6:00 AM
Start the day with some quiet time and planning. This sets the tone for a productive day.
7:00 AM
Dive into important tasks for UnikBrushes or client projects.
12:00 PM
Take a short break or have lunch. Sometimes, I use this time to brainstorm ideas.
1:00 PM
Team meetings and collaborations. Connecting with my team keeps projects on track and ensures everyone is aligned.
5:00 PM
Head to the gym for a workout session. This is my way of staying physically and mentally fit.
7:00 PM
Work on passion projects like LearnyHive or Friendometry. These are the highlights of my day.
8:30 PM
Learn something new or catch up on the latest industry trends. Continuous learning keeps me sharp.
10:00 PM
Reflect on the day and plan for tomorrow. I find that ending the day with gratitude makes a big difference.
Wrapping It Up: Work and Passion Go Hand in Hand
For me, balancing work and passion isn’t about separating them; it’s about letting them complement each other. My passion drives my work, and my work inspires my passion. That’s what keeps me motivated and excited for what’s next.
If you’re trying to figure out how to balance work and passion, here’s my advice: Find what lights you up, and don’t be afraid to go after it. It’ll take effort and maybe some trial and error, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
