What happens when you build your entire identity around work, then realize it's not enough? In this episode of Behind the Village, we sit down with animator and production company owner Anne Douris to explore her journey from working 12-hour days to redefining what success actually means.

Anne opens up about the hard work of separating self-worth from productivity, why COVID forced her to confront what was missing in her life, and how becoming a parent completely shifted her priorities. You'll hear honest insights about learning to say no, the guilt that comes with slowing down, and why physical community matters more than ever in our low-stakes digital world. Anne's story challenges the hustle culture narrative and offers a different path forward for creatives trying to build careers that actually fit their lives.

Anne Douris Animation

Website: https://www.annedouris.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossieperson/

Behind The Village Podcast

Website: https://villagermagazine.ca/podcast/

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Chapters

01:03 - Learning to say no

02:55 - How COVID revealed that work wasn't enough

05:14 - Separating self-worth from productivity and performance

10:08 - Protecting your time and being present as a parent

16:00 - Trading city opportunities for family support and community

18:38 - Why physical presence matters more than digital connection

21:07 - Building a creative career through in-person connections