Onyekachi Nwabueze (left) and Ije Okafor (right) are both Class of 2021 graduates of the Master of Human-Computer Interaction at CMU. Read below about their experiences balancing their full time design jobs and time off the clock.

✏️ What does your “5-9” look like? What hobbies or activities do you engage in outside of your design work?

ON: When I’m not watching a K-Drama or trash TV, I’m learning to master Nigerian dishes, learning to speak my native tongue of Igbo and probably exercising or scrolling through TikTok.

IO: I like to stay active, so definitely going to the gym, taking a walk, or attending some sort of workout class after work. I occasionally shop/run errands, but typically my schedule = gym, dinner, and catching up on TV until bedtime.

✏️ Do you have a creative outlet outside of your job?

ON: I love to create or discuss photography projects with my friends that have to do with fashion. I have to get better at recording them and sharing.

IO: I like doing jigsaw puzzles and then gluing them together. Lately I’ve started framing them as well and hanging them in my townhouse. On occasion I’ll go to a ‘Paint N Sip’ or craft class with friends. I also have done some freelance design work for others!

✏️ How important is it for you to have time away from design work?

ON: Extremely important! I am such a big advocate of a healthy work-life balance so I very intentionally make sure I keep work in its place. Even though I love what I do, it still comes with all the stressors that any other job would. I do this by traveling and spending time with friends a lot!

IO: Very important. I typically end work around 4pm CST and go to bed around 12 AM. That’s 8 hours of free time after work! So I have to occupy it with something.