How to balance a business and your family
Despite high inflation rates and a cost-of-living crisis, nowadays a substantial number of people are looking to ditch the typical 9-5 job and start a business instead. Offering more flexibility, increased earning potential, and better work satisfaction, it’s easy to see why the UK is home to a whopping 5.5 million businesses.
If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how to balance your business endeavours with family life. Here’s how:
1. Set a routine
It’s no coincidence that most highly successful people have a well-established routine.
Although sometimes unexpected events do crop up, to maintain a good family life, it’s important to take the time to create (and stick to!) a daily routine.
Children require consistency and predictability. So, by keeping to a rigid schedule, you’ll be present and create a sense of normality, even if life running a business is hectic.
2. Learn to prioritise
Most people will agree that family life always comes first. But there will inevitably be some occasions when you must prioritise other things – and that’s fine!
It’s important to allow yourself some leniency when it comes to important business events. If you’ve got a strict deadline or important client meeting, cutting back slightly on quality time with your family in the lead-up to it won’t be the end of the world. By prioritising your business before an important meeting or project deadline, you can spend more time being present with your family afterwards.
3. Take time to talk
Regardless of how busy you are at work; you must take time each day to sit and talk to your family. Whether you’re discussing how your children are getting on at school or the exciting new business developments, it’s essential to keep your family in the loop.
Regularly chatting with each other helps to resolve small issues before they persist. Talking also allows you to celebrate little wins and milestones with your loved ones.
4. Set boundaries
Although this isn’t only applicable to entrepreneurs and business owners, it’s important to create boundaries between work and home life.
These boundaries protect your family from work distractions and vice versa. But what sort of boundaries can you implement? Well, you could say that nobody is allowed phones at the table. Or you might want to agree that you won’t discuss work over the weekend.
If you’re struggling to set and stick to boundaries, lawyers could help figure out the best way to manage these aspects of work and family life.
Final thoughts…
Balancing work and family life is far from easy. But luckily, striking the right balance is achievable if you work at it. Although there’s nothing wrong with hard work, just remember that at the end of the day, family is what matters most.