Meet Ivy Morris: Digital Content Strategist

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

Hi Ivy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’ve learned some valuable lessons about work-life balance throughout my nearly decade-long career. Like, keep your guard up around the boss who says they value your life outside work, but then makes you feel guilty about having a life outside work (or won’t give you time off!). Be careful working at places where the employee of the month is praised for being the “first to arrive and the last to leave.” And, finally, if you work somewhere with a flexible schedule, remember that you still have to finish your projects when they’re due! When you find a place that trusts you, don’t take advantage of it. To me, “balance” is impossible to achieve unless employer and employee give each other equal respect. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my career writing for the travel and tourism industry. I love to travel. But, I came to realize that working in an industry professionally is not the same as experiencing it in your personal life. While I loved encouraging others to travel, I found that I wasn’t able to travel myself. The industry I work in now is a big departure from travel and tourism, but I’m so much happier – I know have a work/life balance that allows me to feel satisfied with what I’m achieving at my job, while doing the things I love outside the office.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here are the top 7 things I would recommend visitors do in Tucson: 1. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – it’s like Southern Arizona’s Disneyland, but with coyotes and javelinas instead of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. 2. Experience a Sky Island and hike on Mount Lemmon, preferably at a higher elevation. 3. See an exhibit at the Tucson Museum of Art, then grab a bite to eat at Café a la C’Art 4. Go on a brewery tour of downtown Tucson, including Pueblo Vida, Iron John’s, Borderlands, Tap & Bottle, and Crooked Tooth. 5. Slurp up some Japanese ramen at Raijin Ramen, then see what movie is playing at Casa Video’s Casa Film Bar. 6. Mosey between the MSA Annex and Mercado San Agustin (Seis is good at any time of day). 7. Visit the El Tiradito Shrine and then walk through the colorful neighborhood of Barrio Viejo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be the writer I am without the mentorship of Jessica Dunham, who was my editor at my first “big girl” job. As an editor, Jessica built my skills as a writer while simultaneously encouraging me to keep my voice in stories. It’s rare to find someone who finds equal importance in creativity and in achieving what a client asked for.

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