Business Owners

Updated on March 06, 2008
N.J. asks from Trenton, NJ
10 answers

Hello all,

For those of you who run your own business, how did you balance your work and home life when you began your business? Are there any pointers or words of wisdom that anyone can provide?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from New York on

My husband is a huge help, and its hard but I feel so fulfilled and i think that makes me a better mom. Having a fellow mom trade babysitting time with you works great too. Would love to chat more, what business are you in?

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from New York on

You didn't mention how old your child(children) are, but here's something that worked great for me.

I've had my business for 7 years now, and my son was 3 years old and my husband was 32 when I started. They both learned this system immediately:) I took this idea from the pre-school classroom:

I made a sign for my office door - one was a stop sign, the other side was a green go sign. Everyone in the house quickly learned that when the Red Stop sign was up, I should only be disturbed in the event of blood or fire:) The Go sign meant that I was busy and would prefer not to be interrupted, but if they needed me, they could come in quietly. If the door was open, it meant I was doing some routine paperwork and it was no big deal to disturb me.

Hope that helps!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.R.

answers from Jamestown on

N.
first you open your calendar, mark in all the times you have special appt with home and family obligation. Next you mark the days and hours you will work for yourself.
So if you schedule your work and work your schedule you will do just fine.
I hope this helps you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.G.

answers from New York on

My business is great because I have the flexibility to schedule my own hours. I schedule alot of my appts in the mornings and also the evenings. I have two teens so believe me, just because they are older the problems don't stop. They fight constantly. The only difference between them and babies are babies cry, well teens fight and scream at each other.
It is nice though because I can take a shower when I want. Do my work with my pjs on. It's great working with the internet and phone. Alot of my fellow team members even homeschool their kids while they work at home. I can even prepare dinner ahead while I'm on the phone. It gives me tons of flexibility.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Philadelphia on

What kind of business is it. Is it easy to schedule your day around your kids?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.G.

answers from New York on

When I started my business my youngest was 18 months old and it was a challenge. I tried to work with him, I tried to only work nights, I tried hiring a teenager in the afternoon to help out. It was a struggle & blanacing act but some how it just fell into place. I wish I could be more help. How old are your kids?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.P.

answers from New York on

First of all congrats.... I have been in business for 5 years now and in the begining it was challenging cause you need to know how to balance.. I don't know where your belief level is at but I follow my priorities which are... first GOD, then my SPOUSE, then my CHILDREN, then CAREER, then my CHURCH...everything else will fall into place... keep it balanced... make a schedule and follow that schedule.. for example lets say I am avail only tues & thurs from 9-3pm and a client wants to book an appointment at 4pm I won't change my schedule we will have to work on the following week if I know those are my days & times. We tend to want to please others. It's your business. You have control over it. I am pretty sure that's one of the reasons why you started a business to not have a boss. Also set goals for yourself everyday and work your best to accomplish it and once you do reward yourself with something. You will do just fine don't over think it... I am not sure if you haven't watched "THE SECRET".. but I highly recommend you see it... Surround yourself with positive people.. remember that who you surround yourself with is who you going to become.. really look around you and see how many positive people you have in your life... good luck.. You are going to make it.. If you don't mind me asking what line of business are you in?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.I.

answers from New York on

How old are your kids? Finding the perfect pre-school made everything OK for me. I have had to let go of my neat freak tendancies and let the house get a little messy. I've had to make dinners for the week on the weekend and do laundry at night after my son is asleep.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from New York on

Hello,

I am a Realtor and it's all about scheduling, routine, prioritizing! What kind of business do you own?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Binghamton on

HI N., I think you have to set specific business hours and stick to them. If you find they aren't working change them to work with your schedule. Let your family know that these are the hours you work. You obviously want to be there for them and you working from home is the key so they all need to respect that. If they are to young just hang in there!!! You are always going to be interupted. Just determine to go back to it when you can. What business did you start from home??
How is the business doing??
Good Luck, OH, I also meditate. That may seem pointless, but stay in touch with your true inner self!
I also work at home, K.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions