The Benefit of Father's Day - Balancing Being a Business Owner and A Parent

Today is Father's Day. A day where the focus is entirely on us as Parents, Dads and Fathers. Just like Mother's Day where the emphasis is on Moms, I think it is a great time to reflect on why we do what we do: To provide a better life for our children and the people that are near and dear to us.

When Father's Day rolls around I naturally go back and think about my dad. I have written about him here before. He was great and someone that I aspired to be. Did he have his shortcomings? Of course, but I know that he always had an idea of where he wanted my sister and I to end up. While he was not college educated, he was schooled in the life of hard knocks. He graduated High School, went into the Army, started working for his father right away and was thrust into taking over my grandfather's company when he passed away.

My dad left the conversation of college to my mother. She pushed my sister and I to get good grades and do what needed to be done to get into college. My mom drove me to visit over 30 campuses! I am exhausted just thinking about it. My point is, my parents did everything for my sister and I.

As a father, I am trying to do the same. I look to give my kids every opportunity. I have a vision of where I want them to be. I always say to my sons, be better than me. I want my kids to have the best life possible and succeed in sports, education and life. Again, its exhausting just thinking about it.

I am discussing this today because as mothers, fathers and parents that run businesses I know you feel the pressure too. We need to balance our work and business with being present in the family, being a role model for our kids and providing them the life they deserve. Running a business can consume you and take over. It is all you think about yet you know why you are doing what you are doing.

Many business owners decide to go into business for themselves so that they can control their life and be more involved with the family. When I started my Fractional COO business and Franchisee Peer Groups, I knew the amount of travel I had been doing over the last 10 years would decrease exponentially. My travel now consists of occasional visits with businesses I am advising, a few events and my public speaking opportunities. From this perspective, I have gained more time with my family. That is a huge win. However, I do find that I am heading back to do more work when I have additional time to accomplish tasks.

As business owners you might be falling into that same situation. As the owner, you are trying to do everything and constantly thinking about the business. The time you thought you would be getting with your family just hasn't materialized. The pressure is now all on you. Your business, which was supposed to free you, is now consuming you. You don't have that person that can alleviate the stresses of your business.

This is where a Fractional COO can come in to help and assist you. You do not have to be lonely in your business. You have earned the right to have someone in your corner who can handle the tasks or projects that can help your business flourish. Together, we can get you to the life you were hoping for when you got into business for yourself.

Let's remember why we do what we do. Our business life shouldn't be all consuming. I know that is easier said than done. As entrepreneurs and business owners you have chosen a life that should yield positive results and give you and your family the security it deserves. It shouldn't be crushing you with uncertainty and nervousness.

So, to the dads and fathers out there, Happy Father's Day. Hopefully you can disconnect for a little bit today and enjoy the day with your family.