How Do Home Service Business Owners Deal With the Stress of Running a Business?

The biggest thing for me is treating family time like a scheduled job. It's on the calendar, it's non-negotiable, and clients don't move it.

I run a solo operation so the phone never really stops, but when I'm with my family I put it away completely. I'd rather grind through a string of 12–14 hour days to clear the schedule so I can actually be present for a weekend camping trip than be physically there but mentally still working.

I also make a point of telling my wife regularly that I appreciate her support. Running a business puts a lot on a partner and it's easy to forget to acknowledge that when you're heads down in the season.

You have to book the time or it never happens.