Simplicity in action: How this young woman balances work, fun and finances

At work, Delphine spends most of her time on her feet. She talks customers through a carefully curated wine list, takes inventory behind the bar and shines glassware. To keep herself going, she has to ensure that she's making time for herself and her relationships and not just working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Working in a restaurant is 100% interacting with people,” she says. “The people I spend time with in my social life, they're people who work in restaurants as well. Since our shifts usually start later in the day, I'm lucky that we're able to spend the days together. We go get lunch or go for a bike ride and then I go to work.”

Delphine knows the value of making enough time for herself and her health; she recognizes that striking this balance allows her to perform at her best.

“Even though serving is a very physical job, fitness is still important. It focuses your mood, your brain... it keeps you going. You have to push yourself physically,” she says. “I love boxing in particular; it is so electric and empowering.”

While Delphine has fun landing uppercuts and jab-crosses at her favourite downtown boxing gym, exercise is more than just an outlet — it's a necessity.

“It's very important for me to stay in shape and healthy so I have enough energy for the long workdays,” she explains.

Also important to Delphine: staying in good financial shape.

“I think money stress is the worst kind of stress,” she says. “So, I've always prioritized being financially responsible.”

From an early age, Delphine was interested in learning how to save her hard-earned pennies. “I remember when I was a kid, I really wanted to count money,” she laughs. “One of my favourite toys was my play till. I loved counting the bills in the register, playing Monopoly — all of that.”

That curiosity has carried over into her adult years. Delphine says her approach to personal finance is simply being proactive enough to plan for the lifestyle she wants.

“If I'm not working hard, I know I'm just not going to have the money I need to do all the things I want to do,” she says. “I just know that's not an option.”

Delphine's financial strategy is as simple as mapping out how to spend her paycheque. Since she receives tips in addition to her wages, Delphine prefers to send all of her cheque to the bank to cover her rent and bills before she even thinks about that dinner out with friends.

“I always think about my essential bills first, and then I go from there,” she says.

Delphine's priorities are equally split between work, fun and self-care, allowing her to embrace an authentic lifestyle that suits her needs.

“To me, living authentically means that no 2 days are the same. Working as a server allows me that freedom. It's given me a lot of flexibility,” she says.

From finances to friendships to fitness, Delphine has adopted a straightforward and simple attitude, proving that life doesn't have to be complicated to be fulfilling.