The home has grown to be the focus of work and recreation. With
the advent of better technology, more and more people are
setting up shops in their houses. No more long commutes to work,
no more office politics to bear, and best of all, no more
bosses!
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But perhaps, the greatest attraction for this growing trend
is that a home business allows for family togetherness. The word
"together" turns up frequently in conversations with
home-based businesspersons.
A home business allows the family to be united for a shared
purpose and to work together to develop the business. Home
employment also provides working parent the opportunity to spend
more time with the family. In many instances, home-based
businesses are even strengthening family relationships by
enabling the whole family to get involved. Instead of going in
separate directions, more and more husbands and wives are
pooling their energies and working toward a common goal. At the
same time, children have an opportunity to see what their
parents do for a living, and to learn about business firsthand.
However, those who seek the benefit of being close to family
find themselves in a dismaying dilemma. As they are starting
their business, they must work harder; and by focusing more on
work, they discover themselves devoting lesser time for their
families. Even while working at home, they still suffer from the
same time famine that afflicted them in the corporate world.
Since their hard work is presumably for the gain of the entire
family, they expect their family members to understand and allow
them the space and freedom to work.
As a result, a home business can pose the risk of creating
conflicts within your family. If your only activity is your
business, it is likely that your family and social life will
suffer. Some people even get divorced because of problems
resulting directly from pressures of starting and operating a
business. Some are able to successfully juggle their
responsibilities, while others let the stress of the business
take over their lives.
Problems with family and friends can spell disaster for your
business. It is important to generate family support for your
home office because this support will make your adjustment
easier and your work arrangement more pleasant. You need to find
your own balance, which in turn will depend on your particularly
circumstances as well as your learning style.
To avoid potential conflicts, ask yourself at the very start
- would a home-based business allow you to balance work and
family obligation? Can you expect your family to be supportive?
You will need the support of your friends and family and you
may not get that support if you alienate everyone by not being
sociable or not making time for them. By your very
entrepreneurial nature, you are driven to success. But if you're
not careful, and by your actions you lose those individuals who
give real meaning to your life, you'll find your business
success very hollow indeed. You need to determine the boundaries
of each role in your life - a businessperson, mom or dad,
husband or wife.
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Here are suggestions for ensuring a successful marriage
between your business and home life.
1.
Clearly identify your priorities, but also strive to
stay balanced lest you lose family and friends. Educate your
family about your home business - what it takes to succeed and
the causes of failure, what it will require from you and each of
them. Nonetheless, be sensitive to the needs of your family and
other people around you. Investigate the source of your family's
concern, and work with them to allay their fears. Don't let the
good times pass you by.
2.
Maintain a separate work area
in your home for business activities. Use your home office only
for business activities.
3.
Take time to spend quality moments
with your spouse and your children. It is important to maintain
regular work hours, making sure that you leave enough time for
your family. However, balancing your time between work and
family may not be easy particularly during the start-up phase.
Learn to distinguish the importance of a particular task and
schedule the appropriate time for it. Set aside regular time for
family activities.
4.
Take time to relax, either through
keeping your hobbies or even taking a break to watch television.
Keep your weekends free to spend time with your family. Plan
family outings, go to the movies together, or go to the park.
Without this relief, you are likely to burnout long before you
attain the success you want. Get away from your work. Taking a
physical and mental break allows you to look at your business
more strategically.
5.
Stay involved in activities other than your business
to the extent
possible. Keep your lifestyle active. Working out is a wonderful
way to reduce tension and clear your mind.
6.
Maintain separate bank accounts
between your business and your family.
7.
Go out and socialize
- whether with friends or your spouse. And make sure that you
talk of things other than business!
8.
Keep your spouse involved,
or at least, informed of your business activities. If you have
tasks where your children can help out, let them do it if they
want to. It helps for children to take pride from your business,
and can teach your children the importance of working for
compensation. Having a stake in your home business can teach
your family members cooperation, work ethic and financial
responsibility through the shared efforts and shared rewards.
About the Author:
Lyve Alexis Pleshette is a
writer for Power HomeBiz Guides.
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