I was in Jose’s office one morning recently, and he asked me why I hadn’t brought up the business we needed to discuss when we were at the ball game a couple of nights before.
“I didn’t want to bother you with my problem during your off time,” I said. “I figured we could talk about your professional services at our next appointment.”
“That’s just like my Dad,” Jose said. “When I was a kid and asked him about the retail store we had, he wouldn’t talk about it at home. He’d tell me to ask him at work the next day. He had a great work-life balance.”
Balancing work and personal life when you work for someone else is tough. But when you own your own business, it’s even more challenging. The lines blur quickly when your home doubles as your office, your family members are involved in the business, or financial pressures mix with personal life. The separation between work and home can feel almost nonexistent.
When you’re on someone else’s payroll, it’s easier to clock out at the end of the day, knowing your responsibilities are done for the day. You can head home, relax with family and friends, and take holidays with the confidence that your job will be there when you get back.
But owning a business is different. The work is always there, even when you’re not. There’s no one to take over the big picture when you’re off duty. Business problems are hard to leave behind, especially when your livelihood and emotions are tied up in the success of the company. It can feel like you’re trapped in a world no one else quite understands.
I remember a day in the late 1980s when I was knee-deep in the startup of one of my ventures. After a 12- or 14-hour day, I went to a friend’s house for a drink, eager to share the excitement of my new business. But as I enthusiastically talked about everything going on, I noticed his eyes glazing over. He wanted to talk about his life, his work, his challenges – not mine.
At that moment, I realized I had to leave my business at the office. I couldn’t bring it into my social life except at a superficial level. From that day on, I’ve tried hard not to talk about my business ventures unless someone specifically asks.
Balancing work and life as a business owner creates a unique challenge. It’s not just about managing time; it’s about managing mental and emotional boundaries. We need to nurture our personal lives and relationships, which means knowing when to switch off work mode, even if it feels impossible.
Finding this balance isn’t just about keeping work at work; it’s also about making room for what truly matters in life – family, friends, and personal well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless demands of a business, but it’s crucial to step back and remind ourselves that life outside work needs our attention too.
That’s why many business owners seek out groups or friendships with others who share the same experiences. They understand the struggles and challenges of running a business, and they can speak the same language. But even among fellow entrepreneurs, there’s a need to find balance. Sometimes, it’s important to put business aside and just enjoy life.
Balancing work and life is an ongoing process, especially when your business feels like an extension of yourself. But learning to create boundaries is essential for both personal happiness and long-term business success.
As Jose’s father wisely knew, creating balance in our lives makes us healthier. If we can find ways to shut our business brains down and focus on other aspects of life, our businesses will be better, our relationships will be better, and we’ll be happier.
I’m sure there are more, but here are six ways I’ve used to find work-life balance:
- Set clear boundaries: Define specific times for work and personal activities. Avoid letting work spill into your personal time and vice versa.
- Prioritize and delegate: Focus on the most important tasks and delegate when possible. This helps prevent burnout and ensures you’re spending time on what truly matters.
- Schedule personal time: Just as you schedule work meetings, set aside time for yourself, your family, and your hobbies. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
- Learn to say no: Don’t take on more than you can handle. Politely decline tasks or commitments that don’t align with your priorities or overwhelm your schedule.
- Unplug regularly: Take breaks from technology, especially after work hours. Disconnecting from emails and work-related notifications helps you recharge and be present in your personal life.
- Practice self-care: Make time for activities that nourish your body and mind, such as exercise, meditation, or simply relaxing. Taking care of yourself enhances your overall well-being and productivity.
David Fuller is a Commercial and Business Realtor with a strong reputation as an award-winning business coach and author. He has extensive experience helping businesses grow and succeed, providing guidance on various aspects of business management, strategy, and development. His work as a business coach and author has earned him recognition in the industry, making him a respected figure in both real estate and business coaching.
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