Finding the right balance between work and home life is one of the biggest challenges for any fledgling entrepreneur. Getting that business idea off the ground and turning it into a profitable concern is a thrilling experience, but how do you achieve this while playing an important part in the lives of your loved ones?
Throwing yourself into a start-up business is commendable, but if your family is expanding just as fast as your business be sure to take the following tips on board to ensure entrepreneurship doesn’t become an all-consuming experience:
Try to keep commuting to an absolute minimum
First and foremost, one way to be a constant in your loved ones’ lives is to never be too far from the family home. If you can find a workplace close to your home, this can help eliminate what some entrepreneurs perceive as wasted time that could be spent with responsibilities at home. If it’s at all possible to run your business from home – without encroaching on household space for the rest of the family – this too can help to maintain close relationships with loved ones.
Keep your loved ones engaged in your business
Some entrepreneurs insist on keeping work chat away from the dining table. We’re turning that notion on its head by suggesting that you should do nothing of the sort and keep it very much on the table. By engaging your family with your business, they can feel a part of its successes and act as your biggest cheerleaders – what more of a motivation do you need?
Maintain financial security for your family
If you are a sole trader business or a business that is not a limited company, it’s important that you seek out cheap business insurance that can offer the necessary cover for professional liability, when clients come knocking with accusations of professional errors compared with unavoidable accidents. This offers genuine peace of mind that you and your family are never out of pocket to pay for damages.
Trust in others and avoid micromanaging your business
One of the biggest weaknesses in some entrepreneurs is not knowing when to delegate work to others. If you want to achieve the best possible work-life balance for you and your family, learning when to let go and put your trust in colleagues to get the work done and meet deadlines is an important step to take. Bringing employees on board that you can trust and share the same beliefs and values is a good starting point to bring an end to your micromanaging days.
Set aside date nights with you and the kids
However you approach this, it’s important that you have quality time with your partner and/or kids. Make time for special evenings or days together. Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a computer games night or a meal out together at your favorite restaurant, it’s all vital for ensuring you get enough time to switch off from the world of work and show your loved ones how much you value them.