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

Hi Chelsea, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Time is very, very important to me. Since quitting my job in February of 2024 – time has become by biggest asset. I used to work 50-70 hours a week. I didn’t feel fulfilled. I felt so drained. I was not okay mentally, physically or emotionally. I couldn’t show up for myself or my husband. I felt like a prisoner in my own mind. I knew it was time.

Since quitting my job, I work a MAX of 30 hours a week. Its freeing. I’m able to do things with my creative brain I wouldn’t have had the time to accomplish if I had stayed in my accountant role.

Balancing your work/life balance has truly changed my life. It was as a switch was flipped in my head and I knew it was time.

I feel like myself again. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wear many hats. I quit my job as an accountant and launched my own virtual assistant business. My goal was to help small businesses grow. Whatever that might look like. I run social media, do administrative work, and content creation (among many other things).
While in the midst of this, I started posting consistently on social media (TikTok & Instagram). I started telling stories about my life, my marriage, and everything else. I’ve gained an insane (over 120k since last year) number of followers in a short amount of time. I use those channels as avenues so that people can speak on their relationships and anything else they feel necessary. It’s like a virtual diary of my thoughts.
In February of 2025, I launched a podcast called Hanging with Hays. I started talking about my husband and his job as a blue collar worker. I discuss relationships, marriages, issues within those relationships & more. I launch a new episode every Friday!

All of these things are very broad. Very all over the place. BUT – they make me feel so accomplished as a human being. My voice is being heard. I’m also helping small businesses with their “art” as well. None of this was “easy”. It took lots of failing to even come to the place I am now. But I was determined to make this work. I prayed a lot. I talked to God and asked Him for guidance. Discussions with my husband and him talking me off a ledge was also in the works.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way: never stop being consistent. People notice. People see you. They see you’re authentic self. Its VALUABLE. People want to see who YOU are. Trying to be someone your not will not get you anywhere.

I want the world to know that I’m just getting started. Whatever tomorrow has in store – I’m so game to just jump right in.

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.
Breakfast would be Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor. They have the BEST pancakes. Now, if we’re talking cheaper date – Hotspot in Coloma.
We would walk downtown South Haven and get some ice cream at South Pier Creamery. We’d get mocktails (I’m sober) at Admiral Jacks.
I’d take her to the beach right next to Kid’s Corner. It’s the least crowded spot.
Go to a concert at Warner Vineyard in Paw Paw. They have amazing music all summer!

I think the smaller mom & pop stores and shops are the absolute best. Anything that isn’t a chain – sign me up.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Zac. He’s the reason I had the courage to even attempt this. He’s the best partner I could have ever chosen in life. He supported me through quitting my job. Through all the tears and laughs. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without him cheering me on.

Website: https://www.vahays.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsea.0929/

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

Other: TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@chelseah929?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Sublime Photography, APaige Photography

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