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

Hi Samiya, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

Social Media is tough to juggle when it comes to work life balance. I happen to also work full-time & social media is my side hustle, add having 2 kids to that and it is a party! It’s really important  to unplug and that means good time management.

You can easily get burnout from any job but social media especially can effect you mentally and physically at a much faster rate. You may compare your content to others, question if you are doing enough, and let the lows get the best of you. I try to stay grounded and present to help me not get caught up in it all.

Scheduling time each week to be off my phone and sometimes that means taking one weekend to edit a bunch of content for the month so that I am not bogged down with editing and rummaging for footage. I’ve learned to say no. I don’t need to be at every event and if it is not something I truly want to experience I can politely decline. I am super protective of my space, my energy, and who I spend my time with.

Social media typically has no PTO, no weekends off, and can be constant. People think it’s as easy as taking and posting a picture, which is farthest from the truth. Know you worth, know your limits, take risks when you can BUT most importantly take breaks!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career as an LCSW. I worked in a psychiatric hospital straight out of grad school and then at a private practice with a psychiatrist group. It became clear to me quickly that therapy would not be for me longterm. After 4 years, I transitioned to the corporate side of behavioral health where I have remained for the last 10 years. I work east coast hours on the west coast which gave me the opportunity to explore Las Vegas more. I began creating content for local businesses, and featuring Vegas entertainment. During Covid is when I transitioned to home cooking. That has been a blessing! I love creating at home. Juggling it all is challenging but I love being able to use my creativity in a way that I don’t for my day job. Social media has given me an outlet to have fun and explore. I believe the skills I acquired becoming a therapist has definitely helped me stay grounded in a space that can easily rattle your self-esteem. I take everything one day at a time and try to have as much fun as possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Obviously Las Vegas has its reputation and the strip is magical but we have such incredible restaurants off the strip and the options are endless. To be honest I couldn’t even name it all. I would definitely take them to explore some off-strip spots like Partage for amazing French food. The iconic Golden Steer Steakhouse for some Vegas history. For something casual we could do a little birria taco stop at Birria La Compa and a Mexican snack shop stop. People watching with drinks at the Golden Tiki. Seeing a show is always fun. My favorite variety show is Absinthe. We also have phenomenal hiking trails here like Red Rock, so do a few nights at Red Rock Resort which also has some great new dining additions. The Arts District is another great off strip area. The Vegas Sphere for some photo opps, and the spa at Resorts World is my guilty pleasure right now. Maybe some speakeasy hopping throughout the Cosmopolitan hotel as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely want to acknowledge that without my husband supporting me, encouraging me, and being “Mr. Mom” when I need to schedule shoots, network, and connect with creators, none of this would exist. He has been my camera man, extra set of hands, my biggest cheerleader & even helps me creatively. I am so grateful for him!

Instagram: @socialsami

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/closetfatgirl

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialSAMII

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