Work/Life Balance. What does that look like?

Question

I searched the forums and didn't find a good conversation regarding the work/life balance topic (link if you know of one).

I found a great topic started by bedellmgmt a while ago about how he had to let go of his hobbies and the pursuit to get some back.

How do you maintain a healthy balance in your life beyond work?

Do you dive headfirst into your business and try to connect with family whenever you can? If this sounds familiar, how does your family feel about it—do they understand and support you?

And perhaps the more profound question is this: Do you believe your company thrives because it takes priority, or do you think its success comes from achieving that work-life harmony?

Many of us grapple with these dilemmas. I’ve experienced both sides myself.

For me, one of my most important values has always been to provide for my family. Over 20 years ago, that meant putting in long hours—sometimes up to 100 a week—to achieve success. Unfortunately, it also meant missing out on precious moments with my kids, family, and friends. While I built a business that supports us financially, I often found myself thinking, "Why doesn't anyone seem to recognize the effort I'm putting in?" This focus on work led to some tensions at home because I was so absorbed in my career. They wanted me, and I was confused because I thought that was what I was giving them.

Have you ever experienced that? And if you did, how did you overcome it?

judithvirag · Answer

Thanks for sharing RichardM​!&nbsp;This was my experience.&nbsp; I started my business when I left corporate in 2010 due to lack of accountability at the corporations I was working at.&nbsp; I just wanted my freedom.&nbsp; I started cleaning homes and had two clients.&nbsp; I was motivated to find more as I had to earn.&nbsp; My husband supported me and for reference unfortunately we do not have kids.&nbsp; I only have my aging parents to take care of.&nbsp; So, I had more time to focus on business.&nbsp; Within a year I was booked up, and I thought I will get someone to help me.&nbsp; At this time, I still had no plan to have a cleaning company.&nbsp; Once I hired my first "helper" more came and by 2015-16 I was running a business.&nbsp; I was on the broom, did the sales, customer service, training - you know - all the positions.&nbsp; I had a business melt down in 2016 and I hired a business coach. This is when the work life balance conversation started.&nbsp; I think every business owner at one point burns out (sometimes more times than we care to admit) and we do not ask for help.&nbsp; My cry for help was my business coach.&nbsp; Also, we watch the bottom line so very carefully and we think we can't afford more help like office admin, supervisor or my latest hire was a part time sales rep.&nbsp; I think I can afford, and I did buy my work life balance.&nbsp; My aging parents need me more and I must be there.&nbsp; I was able to build a supportive culture, and my team supports me.&nbsp; I still work at times long hours, but I do have 2-3 evenings free during the week, and I only do some minimal admin work on the weekend.&nbsp; I am able to take vacations. I allow myself to check my emails when on vacation just to make sure my team is supported.&nbsp;&nbsp;What I am really trying to say that it is an evolution to be a business owner, and we all have our seasons.&nbsp; Just like a relationship.&nbsp; In the beginning we are all so eager to do the most we can.&nbsp; Then we are still engaged, got some experience under our belt, and allow ourselves the grace to be a normal human and engage more on the personal side.&nbsp; I still feel guilty sometimes when I am sitting with my Mom or Dad at an appointment or helping them with what they need during working hours, even though I make these hours up and more.&nbsp; :)&nbsp;This is my story, hope it helps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

erin · Answer

Great topic, Richard. Jobber ran a session earlier this year with some advice for business owners to avoid burnout.

One thing the presenters shared that really stuck with me was their “plug the leaks” / “check the boat for holes” method. It’s essentially a quick daily burnout prevention scan, and it’s super practical because it doesn’t require a significant routine overhaul.

They broke it down like this:

Tired: protect your sleep (they mentioned even one bad night can make you way more reactive to stress)
Hungry: eat real food and watch the caffeine/alcohol/junk (because “hanger” is a legit stress signal)
Exercising: move your body to help rebalance stress hormones
Breathing: slow your breathing to shift out of that wired/stressed state
Outside: get outside—green space and fresh air help more than we think
People: spend time with energy-givers (and avoid isolating)
Thinking: support your mindset with gratitude, meditation, coaching/therapy if needed

Their best advice was: when you notice yourself snapping, shutting down, or going into numbing mode, don’t overthink it—just ask: “Where’s the hole today?” Then take one micro-action (quick walk, drink water, eat something decent, 5 minutes of breathing, text a friend).

Here's a link to the full session because it’s worth a watch for anyone struggling here.

julie · Answer

Thanks for sharing this Richard, it takes a lot of honesty and vulnerabilitty to talk about the tradeoffs that come with building and providing for family (inside and outside the home). I really appreciate how you framed that tension between giving your all at work and still being present at home, something so many business owners can relate to but don't always talk about so openly.

Your post actually made me think about my partner, who isn't a business owner (yet) but is an electrician apprentice. He has some really tough days — whether it’s dealing with a journeyman who’s hard on him or crawling in attics and under houses in extreme heat and humidity. It’s hard to come back home after that and instantly flip back into your usual self.

One rule he set for himself is to leave any anger or frustration outside the door before he comes in. Not because he wants to bottle things up, but because he doesn’t want those emotions spilling onto someone else. And at the same time, he still makes space to talk things through and process them (which I think is such an important distinction) + I'm a great listener (I an always up-to-date on electrician drama). This is just one way he improves on his work/life balance. : )

richardm · Answer

Thanks for the reply julie​I used to have a hard time speaking about these topics.&nbsp; It wasn't until I was in my 40s that I started understanding what 'the whole picture' really meant.&nbsp;julie wrote:he still makes space to talk things through and process themYes, this is very important to do. It's hard to decompress when you get home if nobody is willing to listen. I was of the opinion that I couldn't bring anything negative into the home from my work. But having an amazing partner who is willing to listen makes the transition back into family life effortless.&nbsp;

richardm · Answer

judithvirag wrote:I allow myself to check my emails when on vacation just to make sure my team is supported.&nbsp;&nbsp;This jumped out at me. Love it! You might not have kids, but you have a business to raise :) I am sure your staff appreciate your support, even when you're trying for 'me time'. You gotta keep steering the ship; there is no GPS for absent owners.&nbsp;judithvirag wrote:My cry for help was my business coach.How did you find the right coach?How did this realign things?What was the most important piece of advice they gave you?&nbsp;

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Work/Life Balance. What does that look like?

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