Want Work-Life Balance? Check Out Redding, CA
Redding, CA, offers an unmatched work-life balance. Unlike other areas where busy-busy-busy takes precedence, this Shasta County community supports a work and home life. Plus, when residents have finished work for the day or weekend, the region is full of outdoor activities, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and excellent dining establishments – all of which help people relax and unwind. To better understand the work-life balance available in Redding, CA, we spoke with two locals – each in a different stage of life.
Name: Cheyenne Harrah
Age: 23
Share a little bit about your background.
I grew up in Redding but moved away for college. I was there for two or three years before coming back in 2022 for work. After jumping around jobwise, I started at the Shasta Builders Exchange, (a nonprofit community dedicated to the enrichment of tradespeople. Its Trade School works to place students with a local contractor to earn on-the-job experience). I focus on business development, marketing and membership services.
How does the work-life balance in Redding, CA, compare to where you lived before?
It was different because as a student, I was juggling three jobs that were not very career-based. I worked at a grocery store, taught ballet and owned a business, then, once I returned, I switched gears and started going toward a career-based job, which I landed through networking. I met my boss with the Shasta Builders Exchange, where I could start a solid 8-5, Monday through Friday job, which was a drastic change.
What do you like to do in your free time?
There are a lot of different things that my friends and I like to go out and do. During the summer, we’ll go to the Mosquito Serenade Concert Series on Wednesday nights. My boyfriend and I love golfing, so we golf pretty often. We’ve got so many courses around, like Tierra Oaks, Gold Hills, Riverview, Club Tucker and Mount Shasta Resort.
What do you love about the region?
When I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to get out. As an adult, it was really an experience to come back and see with a fresh perspective how amazing and versatile the community is. There’s so much you can do. Now, downtown Redding is super lively. It’s gone through some changes for the better, and you get that young adult-city feel. But within 10 minutes either way, you have ample outdoor recreation opportunities.
How does the environment help with your work performance?
Our community is so open and friendly, which has been super helpful with what I do for my organization, which is going out there and building relationships. We’re surrounded by amazing people who are always trying to support everybody else in the best way they can.
Our second Redding, CA, local is in another stage of life, yet, as you’ll soon see, she, too, is met with the work-life balance she desires.
Name: Jessi Carrillo
Age: 32
Share a little bit about your background.
I’m married to a wonderful man, Eli. We have a beautiful 10-year-old daughter and live in Palo Cedro in Shasta County. We also have three adorable pups. I was born and raised in Columbus, NE, while Eli grew up in Los Angeles. I moved to Redding in 2008 after visiting family here as a kid and falling in love with the area. Eli moved here in 1998 because his mother wanted a safer and better environment for him. We both appreciate the beauty and warmth of this community.
What do you do for work?
After working remotely for a Fortune 500 company in Seattle, I decided to start Waiive Web Design + Marketing in 2020 to shift my focus to helping small businesses. Eli joined me as a partner two years in, and we have been growing the business together ever since. We assist small-business owners and nonprofit organizations with their online presence – everything from logo design and branding to website creation and SEO. We’re passionate about what we do and believe that our success comes from going above and beyond, ensuring our clients are happy and helping them succeed.
How would you describe your work-life balance in Redding, CA?
What I love about Redding is the thriving business community. There are many ways to network and grow your business without sacrificing family time. The Redding and Anderson chambers, BNI, Shasta Business Builders and Startup Redding offer great connections, and many events are kid-friendly and flexible with our schedules. Redding has many beautiful spots for hiking, fishing, snowboarding and more – all within an hour’s drive. It’s an ideal place to balance work and life.
Does the work-life balance Redding, CA, provides positively impact you and your family?
Absolutely. Running my business from home means spending much more time with my daughter. We can homeschool her and take full advantage of everything our area offers, dramatically boosting our family life.
What do you do for fun on weekdays and weekends?
We love barbecuing, going to the lake, hiking and exploring nearby mountain towns or cities for new dining experiences. There’s always something happening in Redding, so we make the most of local events and day trips.
Redding is an ideal place for everyone to live, no matter your stage in life. While your interests, career goals and needs might shift, the city adapts with you. It’s a place you’ll love to call home throughout your life.
This article was sponsored by the Shasta Economic Development Corporation.