I was never able to balance aoc and real life. I played aoc for 10 years more or less since i was 15/16. I went through low level depression a few times due to playing too much, was in Uni for 5 years full time which meant I had more free time to play than if i was working full time and when i started working full time my job was so lax and flexible I could go into work at 9.45am and leave at 2/3pm once I logged in at home so still had plenty of time to play. Aoc has been the only thing in my life I've been addicted to, wasted so much time playing it, really wished i'd spent all of that time playing an instrument instead!! Atleast i've experienced it so i can keep my kids in check when they discover online gaming.
I was a professional musician/singer for over 20 years. I made a living at it. I still perform a bit but not professionally. Trust me when I say, even with practice, setting up and tearing down equipment for gigs, travel etc. a musician still has plenty of time to play AOC. I wasted my time doing less productive things than that! LOL