The Art of the ‘Miami Hustle’: How to Balance Work, Family, and Passion in the Sunshine State

From Aerospace to Apiaries, My Journey to Master the Art of Living Fully

Olivia Reed
Word Garden
5 min readJul 6, 2024

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Photo by Antonio Cuellar on Unsplash

Palm trees sway gently in the warm Miami breeze, the salty air filling your lungs with a sense of calm. The vibrant energy of the city is intoxicating, a life most people dream of. But beneath the sunny surface, a constant buzz of activity thrums beneath the skin. This is the world I navigate as Olivia, a 31-year-old aerospace engineer juggling the demands of family and career. My husband Austin, a busy anesthesiologist, and our two daughters, Sharon, six, and Katherine, two, keep life lively.

The sunshine state offers more than just work and family, however. There’s a passion project that adds another layer to the mix: beekeeping. My apiaries, buzzing with life, are a testament to finding joy and purpose outside of the office. This article is a peek into my journey balancing work, family, and personal passions in Miami’s “hustle.” It’s a testament to how you can live fully, even when life feels like a constant, joyful dance.

The Rocket Scientist’s Rhythm

My day job? It’s a blast! I’m an aerospace engineer at NASA, designing rockets and shaping the future of space exploration. It’s exhilarating, but it’s also demanding, with long hours, tight deadlines, and a constant need to be sharp. One time, I pulled an all-nighter to meet a major project deadline. It was a whirlwind, but I made it happen, and still managed to carve out time for family.

We had pancakes for dinner, and I even read Sharon a bedtime story. It’s all about finding that balance, that rhythm, you know? That’s where my passion for productivity kicks in. It’s about being efficient, maximizing every minute, so I can give my all to work, family, and even tending my bees. Organization is key, not just for managing my schedule, but for making space for everything that truly matters.

Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash

Behind the Scenes with the ‘Reed Family Workshop’:

Austin, my incredible husband, is the driving force in my life. He’s my partner in everything, from the mundane to the extraordinary. His medical career keeps him busy, but I’m so grateful for his unwavering support. He’s not just my rock; he’s my partner in passion, too.

We both love woodworking, and it’s a love we share with our daughters. It’s become a treasured family tradition: every weekend, we gather in our backyard workshop, the air filled with sawdust and laughter. We create wooden toys for Sharon and Katherine, each piece a testament to our shared creativity. Austin brings his intricate designs to life, while I focus on the details, creating a harmonious blend of skill and artistry. It’s our way of bonding, of building memories that will last a lifetime. And just like us, our girls have embraced their own creative passions. Sharon is a budding sculptor, always working with clay, while Katherine finds her artistic expression in the water, creating her own aquatic masterpieces. It’s heartwarming to watch our children grow, embracing their passions, just as we did.

The Buzz of Tranquility

The Miami Hustle is electrifying, NASA deadlines are a whirlwind, but I crave something more — a calming escape to balance the intensity of my work. My bees provide that escape. Tucked away in a tranquil corner of our backyard, my apiaries offer a haven of peace and quiet.

Remember that time after a particularly tough day, when I spent hours in the apiary? The gentle hum of the bees, the sweet scent of honey, and the vibrant life within the hives were like a balm for my soul. It’s a feeling I can’t quite describe, but it’s a feeling of pure serenity. It’s a chance to recharge, to connect with nature, and to appreciate the simple beauty of life. Beekeeping, despite its demands, fits seamlessly into our family life. We’ve even incorporated our apiary into family days, where Sharon and Katherine learn about the importance of bees and the wonders of nature. It’s a testament to how passion can be woven into the fabric of your life, even amidst the most hectic schedules.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Miami Hustle, Miami Soul

The “Miami Hustle” isn’t just about being busy; it’s about embracing life with a contagious passion. I see it everywhere — in my family, my work, even in my bees. It’s about finding your own rhythm, your own unique symphony of work, family, and passion.

Turn the “hustle” into a dance, a vibrant, joyful dance that moves to the rhythm of the Sunshine State. Whether you’re an aerospace engineer, a doctor, a beekeeper, or simply someone who wants to live life to the fullest, find your own “Miami Hustle.” Discover your passions, prioritize what matters most, and create a life that’s not just busy, but truly fulfilling. After all, Miami is famous for its fast pace, but its true essence lies in inspiring a life well lived.

The Miami Hustle: A Symphony of Life

There you have it! The “Miami Hustle” isn’t just about being busy. It’s about finding your own unique rhythm, your own personal symphony of work, family, and passion. Create a life that’s not just filled with activity, but truly fulfilling.

Make every minute count, be present with your loved ones, and make time for the things that truly inspire you. I love hearing from others, so if you have your own tips for finding balance and living your best life, leave a comment below! And for more insights into my journey of balancing work, family, and passion, follow my blog to see how I weave it all together in the heart of Miami.

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Olivia Reed
Word Garden

Hi! I'm Olivia :). I live in Miami with Austin, my wobbly-chair carpenter husband, and our kids, Sharon and Katherine. Join our fun productivity journey!