I am an extremely hands on guy, don't mind working in the cold or heat, don't mind being dirty or tired, crawling on roofs or under decks. My wife is the exact opposite. Nails done, hair done, screams at an ant, has to always be warm and cozy... She has a fulltime career and I use her in a contractual way doing some admin stuff for me after work. Entering receipts, ordering supplies, calling clients to schedule follow-ups...the things that can be done in a nice warm home while I am out crawling around in the mud. I absolutely hate computer work and those mundane details of the business.
The way we approached it was that she can do things a lot better than me, and I can do things better than her (I obviously left out the end part there when talking to her about it!) She knows she is helping me out a lot and she is happy for that. I think if there is work to be done and your spouse can do it without issue, then why not have them on the payroll! Keep that money in your home.
My husband had his own engineering business before we go together. I worked shifts at the time and on my days off i would go in and help with the admin side of things. I had worked in administration since leaving school, so it came naturally to me.
Once I started helping, the business really began to grow. It freed him up to focus on the engineering work rather than paperwork and organisation, which made a huge difference.
Years later, after children came along, I started my own business and he joined me. He brought his practical skills and i brought mine. It also meant that when the children needed more of our time, one of us was always able to step back slightly and keep the business running smoothly.
We've since sold our business and I've returned to administration - this time as the first admin employee for a friend of my sons (I have known him since they were at school together). There was no clearly defined role when I started; it has evolved naturally over the past two years. We communicate openly, he explains what he needs and i produce it. I can offer advice based on many years of experience and hes willing to listen and learn. That mutual respect makes it work.
What I have learned is this: staying calm under pressure and talking things through is essential. Work out what needs doing and who is best placed to do it. Dont try to do each others job - trust each others strengths. Leave work at work and dont let it spill unnecessarily into family life.
I have never had a rigid job description - my role has simply evolved over time as the business has grown. ultimately you are all working towards the same goal
