Being a business owner is inherently hectic. And like it or lump it, you’re going to be spending a lot of time making sure you get the most out of the hard work you put in.
But all work and no play is no fun for anyone. And burning yourself out can make achieving that perfect work-home life balance seem like an impossible task.
So how do you ensure you don’t knock your work-home life scales off-kilter when your responsibilities are pulling you in so many different directions at once?
Here, we chat to Ian Hepburn, owner of Dynamic Double Glazing, about how he maintains a healthy work-life balance and the habits to take up and avoid so that there’s plenty of room for work, rest and play each business day.
Why is it so important for you that you strike a healthy work-life balance?
As a business owner, you have the luxury of being able to fit your work commitments around your home life. However, it took me a while after founding my business to put this approach into action.
I used to prioritise my work life over everything else, until one day I realised that I’d got the balance all wrong. Constantly placing my business over my home life wasn’t working and I came to realise that my business didn’t have to operate purely within the confines of a 9-5 working day – customers appreciated that I could provide them with flexible working hours and appointments to work around their lives too.
Ever since this eureka moment, I’ve been much more effective in scheduling client appointments that not only suit customer demand but my own work-life balance too. I think it’s so important to work alongside customers to help schedule appointment times that suit them and you, so that it’s easier to schedule in some downtime.
Running a business is hectic, I get that. But it’s so important that your personal life isn’t put on the backburner so that your work commitments can take centre stage. That’s why I always schedule my customer appointments in a way that leaves me plenty of downtime to spend with my wee boy, family and friends.
What’s the best way to establish clear boundaries between your home life and work life?
It’s important that you don’t let your work life encroach on your home life. Always try to keep your home and business life separate by turning off your phone at the end of a working day.
Only working in designated office spaces – whether this is a home-based office or a separate premise. Don’t be tempted to do work from your sofa as this will blur the boundaries between your home and business life and could prevent you from switching off when you need it.
When I’m at work, I’m all business. There’s no chitchat, no fun and games and definitely no meeting up with friends and family in between jobs. For me, the key is working hard when you’re at work, and playing hard when you’re at home. But that’s not to say that I’ve not had my own experience of my work and home life being too closely linked. It’s a delicate balancing act.
I really enjoy spending time with my friends, family and wee boy during my down time, but I think it’s important that you set aside some ‘me time’ for yourself too – because sometimes even family time can be hectic!
