Work-life balance when working with your spouse

Changing work patterns, particularly over the past 30 plus years have seen an increasing number of marriages where both partners work full time. Many women don’t want to end their careers when they marry and have children - others simply can't afford to stop work.

Back in the 50’s men worked from 9-5 and in general their wives stayed home. That’s less common now and two incomes are often needed to pay off housing and other living expenses. Many young women are faced with the dilemma of not being able to afford to stop work for as long as they want when their children are young. It’s at this point many abandon the corporate sector for alternatives – like independent self employment or purchasing a franchise.

Most small businesses, including franchises, are bought and started by those at or approaching retirement age (see my post on over 50’s) or the young, who may be starting a family or have young children to care for.

Work-life balance becomes less of an issue if you can work from home – which probably explains it’s growing popularity. When researching for my book ‘Couples in Franchising’ I was surprised to find how many different types of business can be run successfully from home. Many multiple franchise owners for example manage their businesses from their homes.

Wherever the work gets done the old maxim still holds true - ‘little things mean a lot’. I remember talking to the copreneurial owners of an Ace Hardware store recently - the husband mentioned that he always makes sure his wife has fresh flowers on her desk.

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