Entrepreneur Mums- how do you juggle it all? Help!!

[Sarahbee3]

Is it possible to run your own biz with kids and a family to look after? My day NEVER ends! We moved back to London so I had to leave my previous job which I always thought was such hard work and I am now starting my own business. Aack! 12- 15 hour days! It's fun and learning lots but it's NUTS!! I feel like I never get to spend time with my kids. Has anyone gone this route? Will I ever get my life back?

[tonyee]

Just keep on trucking and try to make a success of it and maybe you will do well or can sell the biz one day and make loads who knows! Nothing ventured nothing gained. Go girl!

[Lizcat]

You have to view your business as another child. You have to nuture it, love it and discipline it too. With the right mix it will grow into a successful individual.
Personally I find a lot of the commonly used techniques for rearing children very useful in running a business particularly managing staff. Set your rules and be very clear about them, be consistent.
5 years down the line I am just beginning to reap the benefits of my business.

[Sarahbee3]

Thanks so much! Lizcat, Good advice. Has it all been worth it? What type of business is it?

[hairymelons]

DH and I started our own business in September last year. The first 6 months have been really hard. We have a 20mo DS and it's been really hard on him us being away so much. Our parents have been taking it in turns to stay at ours to take care of him but his sleep has been terrible and he's been v clingy.
3 weeks ago however, we hired someone and we are able to be at home much more. I'm 9 weeks pregnant now too and couldn't cope with doing such long hours on my feet so it's a good job we found someone suitable! DS has also gone back to sleeping through so he's definately happier for it.
Not sure what we'll do when this baby comes, or I'm too big to be any use but sod it, we'll manage. The whole point of working for ourselves was so we could try to fit it around our family.
I totally agree about the business being like another child, that's been our attitude all along.
How old are your DCs?

[Sarahbee3]

Mine are 7 & 9. You sound like a wonderwoman! I would love another child but am so tired, good for you for going for it. What sort of biz? It's always inspiring to hear about people starting their own biz. It takes cojones! Good luck with everything!

[hairymelons]

I'm pretty tired too, don't think that's going to change for a couple of years!
We have a catering business so it's long hours but very satisfying work.
How do you manage childcare/school hols etc? We're starting to panic about what to do when DS goes to school.

[Shinyshoegirl]

It's tough but worth it! DH and I run our own business from home and we have real difficulty in switching off. The kids have set us a family rule; no talking about work in family time. We try to remember this, but it's not easy. It's also hard for us both to work properly after school, so we have to cram our work as far as possible into the school day, then catch up in the evenings. School holidays are hard; we tend to take turns in days off with the kids or they go to friends and family sometimes.

[Sarahbee3]

OMG shineyshoegirl you have my life! What do YOU do during hols?? My Hubs has been taking them skiing this winter which helps, thank the Lord for easy jet! Summer will be NUTZ!! Launching in april! I do have some teen neighbors that help out! Cheap labour!