When we start our own businesses, many of us come from the “Corporate world” as I like to refer to it. When we worked in the Corporate world, we had set days and hours that we were expected to work. This meant that the freedoms to do what we wanted was limited to the times when we were not obligated to be at work. Well, guess what ………..

As business owners, we no longer have to work within that time frame. We are no longer obligated to working Monday to Friday, 9-5, for example. We have the freedom to allow life to be lived, however and whenever we want. Work no longer comes first…our family does. This is one of the greatest advantages to running your own business. The ability to do what you want, when you want. No longer must we schedule our family time around our work schedules.

When you prepare your daily schedule, take the time to look at your family’s needs and schedule that time in first. Then work backwards and determine the best times to focus on the work that needs to be done for your business. For example, if your children are young and at home, schedule in the times they will need you first. Work around their schedule (i.e., focus on work while they nap, while they sleep, while they are at a play date or during their favorite TV show).

When your school age child is going on a field trip … if this can work in your schedule, plan for it. Go with them and have fun. Schedule work around it. Perhaps it might mean picking up some extra hours in the evening after your children are in bed to catch up, but this is the biggest freedom you have as an entrepreneur.

Enjoy your family …. I remember a friend of mine once said that she always seems to reflect when people are dying they often say “I want to spend more time with my family”, but never, ever do they say “Gee, I think I will put in some more time at work”. At the end of life, who says “I wish I worked more?” Take the time now, while you can, to enjoy your life. Your family, your children and loved ones will thank you for it.