Is Thriving in a 9–5 Job While Pursuing Passions Possible?

Is Thriving in a 9–5 Job While Pursuing Passions Possible?

-By Supriya Lal
By day, I lead multiple engineering teams as a group tech lead at Yelp, solving complex technical challenges.

By night, I transform into a high-energy dance instructor at Rangeela Dance Company, pushing participants to their physical limits.

This might seem like a sharp contrast, but balancing my passion for dance with my demanding tech career has been a game-changer for my personal and professional growth.

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Interplay of Leadership Roles

Giving large-scale presentations in the office became more manageable as I started leading dance classes and got used to talking to an audience. Meanwhile, a leadership role at the office helped me hone my ability to lead a dance class and build the confidence to give clear instructions to students.

Communication is the Key

Clear communication is crucial at work and in the fitness studio. In the dance studio, I communicate through movement and motivation, ensuring that students of all levels can follow along and stay engaged. In tech mode, I guide my teams through tackling design and technical execution.

Compartmentalizing Life as a Skill

One of the biggest challenges in balancing two roles is making sure each one gets my full attention when it’s time, which requires learning to compartmentalize my work. During office hours, my focus is entirely on my work. Once the clock hits 5 pm, I set the work aside COMPLETELY. This is the key to maintaining balance and not overwhelming myself.

Learning to compartmentalize my life significantly improved my ability to multitask at work.

Motivation in Tech and Fitness

One of the most rewarding parts of being a dance fitness instructor is watching people break through their physical limits and achieve their fitness goals. Similarly, as a Group Tech Lead, I see my success in the success of the teams solving complex problems and delivering high-quality work. In both spaces, my role is to encourage people to believe in themselves and push beyond what they think is possible.

Pursuing Hobbies Bring Fulfillment

Dance is my passion, and it helps me unwind from a busy day in tech. Teaching dance fitness gives me a creative outlet and recharges me for my responsibilities as a tech lead.

Conclusion

We don’t have to limit ourselves to our 9-to-5 jobs. With good time management and clear boundaries, it’s possible to excel at work while fully pursuing our hobbies. By embracing both my career and my passion for dance fitness, I’ve found balance and fulfillment in both.

Pursuing your hobbies will bring out the best in your work as well, rather than compromising it. Do it guilt-free!

Shakti Mohan Visits Rangeela Dance Company

Shakti Mohan Visits Rangeela Dance Company

Rangeela Dance Company Founder and Director, Priyanka Vora, with Shakti Mohan.

-by Anisha Advani & Priyanka J. Vora

In mid-September 2024, Rangeela Dance Company had the honor of hosting internationally renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and television personality, Shakti Mohan, for an exclusive dance event in Seattle. As part of her U.S. tour, Shakti brought her vast expertise and passion for dance to the Seattle community, creating an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, learning, and artistry. Renowned for her expertise in contemporary, hip-hop, Bollywood, and classical dance, Shakti has become a global dance icon, and through founding her brand, Nritya Shakti, she has shared her expertise worldwide. Her presence at the Rangeela event was highly anticipated, and she did not disappoint.

The event kicked off a dynamic dance workshop to the song “O’Sajna” choreographed by Shakti herself, led by Priyank Thakker the founder of Naach Chicago. He guided participants through a variety of techniques and steps, offering invaluable insights and training to dancers at different levels of experience. It was an exciting opportunity for local dancers to not only improve their skills but also to explore a choreography created by Shakti herself.

Following the workshops, attendees were treated to a special meet and-greet with Shakti, where they had the rare opportunity to connect with her on a personal level. During the Q&A session, Shakti shared her inspiring journey as a dancer, discussing the dedication and hard work that have fueled her career. She offered valuable advice for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, creativity, and maintaining a strong work ethic.

Rangeela Founder and Director, Priyanka Vora, and Rangeela Dance Team Members with Shakti Mohan.

Scholarship winner, Spriha Shukla, performing for Shakti Mohan with workshop instructor Priyank Thakker.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the performance session, where dancers showcased their talents in front of Shakti herself. Dancers had the chance to shine, blending their unique styles with the techniques they had learned throughout the evening. In a particularly memorable moment, Shakti selected one outstanding dancer, Spriha Shukla, to receive a scholarship to train at her prestigious Nritya Shakti academy in Mumbai. This incredible opportunity will allow Supriya to develop their skills further under the direct mentorship of Shakti and her team in India. After the event Spriha shared “it was an absolute honor to meet Shakti Mohan in Seattle and learn her choreograph, it was such a fangirl moment. Thank you Rangeela and Priyanka Vora for this amazing opportunity. So humbled and honored to receive the Nritya Shakti scholarship. See you soon Mumbai!!”

The event was a resounding success, bringing together the Seattle dance community in a celebration of creativity, talent, and passion. Rangeela Dance Company is proud to have hosted such a remarkable experience, one that left a lasting impact on all who attended. Rangeela extends our heartfelt gratitude to Shakti, Priyank Thakker, and all the participants for making this event truly unforgettable. Stay tuned for more exciting events and workshops from Rangeela Dance Company as we continue to bring the world of dance to our vibrant community!

Check out the highlights from the event here!

Photography credit: https://www.ladkahai.desi

Rangeela Students engaging in the Q&A session with Shakti Mohan after the workshop.