5 Tips for Working With Your Spouse
There are two types of married couples. First, there’s the type that desperately needs their eight hours a day away from each other to thrive (or let’s face it, to survive). On the other hand, there’s the type of couple that is most positive, productive, and successful when they’re in the company of each other.
If you and your spouse are a part of the latter, you’re not alone. Many couples enjoy doing everything together, even when it comes to their careers. It is widely known that working separately, with different hours, can cause a huge strain on a relationship. A possible solution to couples needing more time together is for them to work from home in a business partnership.
If you’re looking for jobs you can do with your spouse, you’re moving in the right direction—not only for your career but maybe for your marriage, too! A total win-win.
There are many benefits to working side-by-side with your spouse, but like all things, there are many challenges that come with this new venture as well. Don’t be afraid to take the challenge. It could turn out to be the best choice you’ve ever made, especially if you and your spouse are both interested in making this commitment. Starting a business together may be the best way to do this.
To guide you through your journey, here are five tips for working with your spouse.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Managing boundaries between the working relationship and the marriage or family connection is vital. Setting limits is always important in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance, no matter what your situation is. But when you are working with your spouse, protecting your personal life is crucial.
You should decide on where and when you’ll discuss work matters. Set work-free zones in advance, where the conversation of work should not even be brought up. Spend time together as husband and wife doing something you both enjoy. Leave work discussions for work hours.
2. Expect to Disagree
Building a business with your spouse as your business partner is challenging. Disagreements are inevitable in any collaborative environment. It’s just a part of working together. If everyone agreed instantly, life would be extraordinarily boring. Expect to see things differently than your spouse. However, create an arrangement with each other to not bring up the argument when you’re in a work-free zone—and stick to it!
3. Separate Responsibilities
Divide and conquer, together. Separating responsibilities within your business will save you a considerable amount of stress in your relationship. You can make decisions together about who fits better in what role, and who can pick up the pieces in other areas. Combining your skill sets is a good idea, but making sure your expectations line up may play an even bigger part in your success.
4. Provide Support and Encouragement for One Another
As a spouse, you are each other’s biggest fans. Don’t forget to keep the same mindset when you’re working together. You will understand each other’s day-to-day life, in all areas. With your close personal relationship, you can provide a level of support to your spouse that no one else can.
Historically, it was very common for spouses to work alongside each other, relying heavily on each other. So, if you have concerns around the idea that jobs you can do with your spouse are non-existent or destined to fail, you can find comfort in knowing that this has been done successfully for centuries.
With support also comes encouragement. Don’t let the victories and milestones slip. Be sure to celebrate together and let your spouse know when they are doing a great job!
5. Create a Backup Plan
Unexpected obstacles will always come into play, and just in case things don’t go your way, you should make arrangements that can be agreed upon. This serves as protection for your career as well as your relationship.
It is a common worry that creating a backup plan or exit strategy means that you are expecting things not to work out. In reality, by planning ahead, you are setting yourself up for success instead of failure. It is important to realize that when it comes to jobs for couples, things can change in an instant—including your relationship and/or business.
Whether you’re just looking for tips for working with your spouse or are ready to dive in, selling promotional products with Kaeser & Blair is a great business idea! Learn more about how to get started with our business program.
