Starting your own business while growing your family can feel like balancing on a tightrope – without a net.
I learned this firsthand when I found out I was expecting my first child just months after opening my law firm in 2022. The journey has been as challenging as it has been rewarding, and along the way, I found myself wishing we had talked more openly about balancing business goals with family priorities.
Here’s what I wish I’d known – and what I hope will help you, too – about blending family life with entrepreneurship.
Rally your support team
The saying ‘it takes a village’ takes on a whole new meaning when you begin juggling both a business and a family. Balancing work and home life is always challenging, but when you’re an entrepreneur building something new, your support network becomes essential.
Whether it’s family, friends, neighbours, hired help, or colleagues, don’t hesitate to ask for (and accept) help. A family member stepping in for baby duty during a meeting or a friend lending an ear can make all the difference. Let your team know family is a priority too; just as your village supports you at home, your professional circle can help you stay grounded at work. Surround yourself with people who respect and support both roles – it makes the journey so much more fulfilling.
Communicate clearly and set your boundaries
Running a business often demands long days and irregular hours, but the reality is that young kids need you on their schedule. The secret to doing a great job on both ends is getting comfortable setting your boundaries and communicating your needs.
Start by making your availability known so everyone understands when you’re reachable and when you’re in “family mode.” As much as possible, I try to establish specific business hours and block out dedicated family time each day. This structure allows me to be fully present and focused in each space.
Remember, people can’t respect boundaries they’re unaware of. I’ve realised that most clients appreciate honesty about my priorities, and over time, they’ve come to see that this commitment to my family makes me a more dedicated professional.
Embrace flexibility
I won’t lie – there have been plenty of times over the past few years when I found myself juggling a baby bottle and a laptop, fueled solely by coffee and love! Life has a way of reworking even the best-laid plans, and parenthood teaches you to adapt to changes you never saw coming. It’s essential to remember that, like a growing child, a business takes time to develop. Things don’t always work on your expected timeline, and that’s okay. Patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humour can make all the difference.
Take care of yourself too
Being a business owner and a parent means constantly caring for others – but to stay at the heart of it all, you need to invest in yourself too. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea by yourself each morning or investing in a hobby, make sure you carve out moments to recharge. As your family and business grow, this time for self-care becomes essential for staying energised and fully present in both roles.
Balancing a new business with a growing family is challenging but immensely rewarding. Every journey is unique, and as you navigate yours, you’ll discover the strategies that work best for you. Above all, I encourage you to share your insights with fellow entrepreneurs who are also juggling business and family. We must lift each other up and create a community that supports and celebrates success both at home and in the workplace.
