Work/Life Balance. What does that look like?
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 ...
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Thanks for sharing RichardM!
This was my experience. I started my business when I left corporate in 2010 due to lack of accountability at the corporations I was working at. I just wanted my freedom. I started cleaning homes and had two clients. I was motivated to find more as I had to earn. My husband supported me and for reference unfortunately we do not have kids. I only have my aging parents to take care of. So, I had more time to focus on business. Within a year I was booked up, and I thought I will get someone to help me. At this time, I still had no plan to have a cleaning company. Once I hired my first "helper" more came and by 2015-16 I was running a business. I was on the broom, did the sales, customer service, training - you know - all the positions. I had a business melt down in 2016 and I hired a business coach. This is when the work life balance conversation started. 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. My cry for help was my business coach. 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. I think I can afford, and I did buy my work life balance. My aging parents need me more and I must be there. I was able to build a supportive culture, and my team supports me. 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. I am able to take vacations. I allow myself to check my emails when on vacation just to make sure my team is supported.
What I am really trying to say that it is an evolution to be a business owner, and we all have our seasons. Just like a relationship. In the beginning we are all so eager to do the most we can. 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. 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. :)
This is my story, hope it helps.
I allow myself to check my emails when on vacation just to make sure my team is supported.
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.
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?
I just googled a coach and we worked together for 7 years. Working with him helped me to talk to someone who understands. Check in with him to make sure I was on the right path. Being a business owner is lonley and some issues/challenges you can't discuss with your team.
Not as much as he gave me advice but more his experience share. A lot of his clients struggle with the same challenges and he sees what is working for others and if you can implement.