Confessions of a Business Owner’s Wife

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Owning a business isn’t always easy. Often times the media portrays business owners as rich, driving fancy cars and going on lavish vacations. While this may be true for some folks, it can be far from the truth for others, especially those just starting out.

My husband and I decided when our daughter was three months old that he would start his own upholstery business. When he first came to me and told me about his idea – I wasn’t thrilled. I’d just given birth to a little girl, I was raising three older children and trying get back into the swing of family life. I wanted my husband home by 6 p.m. every day to spend time with me and the kids. Reluctantly I agreed because I wanted my husband to follow his dream.

Flash forward almost two years and this has definitely been a wild and crazy ride … and I’ve learned a lot of things along the way.

It Can Be Lonely

Having a husband who owns a business can be very lonely. Most days he is gone around 12 hours a day. There have been days that my husband didn’t get home until I was already asleep. I miss seeing him. Sometimes I am jealous of friends who are with their spouses or significant others after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can spend the entire weekend together. I can’t really imagine what that must be like.

Much of the Child Raising Responsibility Falls on Me

Because he works such long hours, there are some days he doesn’t see our children at all. I’m glad he works hard and I’m able to be a stay-at-home mom so I can have these memories with my children, but I do miss having him available to help with the daily parenting responsibilities. I am the one who takes all of our kids to their extracurricular activities, church and school functions. I am the one home with the kids making sure everything runs smoothly. I am the one handling most of the discipline.

Our daughter, Allison, thinks that she is the boss. #bossbabe
Our daughter, Allison, thinks that she is the boss. #bossbabe

It Can Be a Financial Burden

It’s upsetting small business owners have so many fees and taxes. Even when business is steady, it can be a struggle to provide for our family. I wouldn’t even consider us to be middle class.

Our Family Time Has Become More Valuable

My husband is much happier, and our children see his hard work. They are learning that you have to apply yourself and work hard for the things that you want in life. Sometimes after dinner the kids and I will go to our shop and help clean or pull staples just to be able to see him that day. We have a good time together as a family.

In the End, It’s Been Worth It

I wouldn’t take our decision back. It’s hard now but I know one day years from now it will be worth it. I cherish our date nights because it is during those times where my husband and I can reconnect and remember why we fell in love. Making time for each other in the midst of all of this craziness is what keeps us strong.

Are you or your significant other a small business owner? What would you add to the list?

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