Working Online and Family

You know how it is, someone asks you what you do for a living. And, you say "I work online"; they get this little gleam in their eye and the next thing they say is that they wish they could do that so they wouldn't have to work so hard. We've all heard it. Little do these people know that we spend hours and hours every day (usually 7 days a week) building our online businesses. I have been known to sit in front of my computer for 20 hours at a stretch when I have a major promotion going on. But, working the long hours in an online business can take its toll on your family life, just as it would if you had a J-O-B.

I know your business is your means of support. For many of us, our programs are like our babies, they need to be nurtured constantly so that they will grow. But, you have to get to the point where you realize that it will not crumble and disappear if you take a little time away to spend with your family. Why did you first decide to work at home anyways? So, you could see your kids more? Have a little more quality time with your significant other? Well, if you are sitting in front of your computer 24/7...it ain't happening.

Here are some good points to remember when working on your online business:

• A business is there to provide for your family...not deprive them of you
• Lost time with your family is time you can't recover
• Businesses grows from time and attention, but it doesn't need ALL your attention
• You will never look back and wish you had worked more hours
• Your family should come first and foremost
• Get your family involved with your business...even the youngest can do something, and you will share pride in seeing your business grow

Take a deep breath and realize that your online business may be your sole responsibility, but it is just WORK. It is not life. Schedule it just as if it were a normal job. Maybe not 8 hours a day...but no more than 10 or 12 (WITH breaks taken to watch a television show with your child, eat dinner at the table with your family, and laugh over the dogs antics). Take a day off every couple of couple of weeks. Don't even look at the computer, everyone will survive if they can't get in touch with you that very minute. If you are worried, send out a newsletter or email stating that you are taking a mental health day.

Your business will grow, and hopefully your finances will grow. Make sure you don't lose touch with the important stuff along the way.