My journey towards Work Life Blend lands at Switchyards

Work-Life Balance is something we’ve all heard about. I happen to be a big fan.

But there's a problem: the ways we’re told to achieve it are mostly unrealistic. Hybrid work schedules, trying to keep up with the Joneses on parenting, and a world demanding near-constant attention don’t fit neatly into the idea of balancing work and life. Stopping one to start the other just doesn’t work anymore.

The solution is a simple reframing: aspire instead for a positive Work-Life Blend. I first learned this term at ZingTrain over a decade ago, but I’d been doing it unintentionally at King of Pops from day one—bringing my trusty popsicle cart to concerts, art shows, festivals, and anywhere else I wanted to be. If sales were slow, at least I was somewhere great.

A quick plug for my book, Work Is Fun (which isn’t nearly as dorky as it sounds):

“Before starting King of Pops, I had been working to enable the other parts of my life. Somehow, now my work was enhancing every part of my life. I’d later learn to call this new feeling ‘work-life blend’—a more desirable and realistic alternative to the ‘work-life balance’ touted on job postings from well-intentioned companies.”

King of Pops has been successful precisely because it became an expression of the people who work here—not just their roles at the company, but who they are outside of work. When we're at our best, it’s happening constantly—through UMOHs, KoP Yoga, flavor partnerships, cart franchising, and more.

I’m proud to announce another such Work-Life Blend opportunity coming up this week, especially for our Atlanta friends and neighbors near Adair Park. This Thursday, swing by Switchyards for a free pop, check out the club, catch up on some emails, and connect with your community.

This partnership hits on so many “Work-Life Blend” cylinders it’s tough to comprehend. I’ve been a Switchyards fan (and mostly a member) since things started. I’ve always admired the way this Atlanta brand has carved out the category of a Neighborhood Work Club—a spot intentionally built for the Work-Life Blend. It feels just as natural grabbing a coffee with an old friend as it does diving into focused work or hosting a meeting. Nobody else blends community, productivity, and a sense of belonging quite like this.