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Dear IBossWell,I’m not only a new boss; I’m also starting a new division in our organization. Here’s my question: Can intra-preneurs keep their personal relationships and their businesses going at the same time? My husband is getting pretty frustrated with us not having any “real vacations” or free time, as I feel I cannot just leave work completely. Any suggestions? Start-up stalwart /Intra-preneur/almost single
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Dear Almost Single,Balance between work and home is always a challenge. AND it is absolutely necessary. Although generally, I recommend finding ways to take a full break from work on vacations, I recognize that may be too traumatic for many of our readers, so, here are a few compromise suggestions. Even on short vacations or single events with family or spouses, try to set expectations ahead of time to spend no more than 1 hour a day on work, and plan together what time would be best to do it, so that it does not interfere significantly with your vacation time together. Get it over with in the morning - so the rest of the day can truly be a break!!! Now, try to plan one major vacation a year where you can truly "get away" and relax... get a break. You will need to prepare to make it possible: do your best to arrange with a colleague or appropriate direct report to "handle" any urgent issues that may come up while you are out. This requires having a strong team in the first place, so you have trust in their capabilities to handle issues. Try to plan trips during those times when business is a little more quiet (if that's possible!) Operationally define an emergency - that if it is not a life or death matter - it should be able to wait until your return. Do a lot of pre-planning and prepping of clients around when you are going to be gone, so they can hang in there until you return. And, work especially hard before you go, to get caught up and attend to those major projects. This is not easy when you're just starting out. But, it is critical to set your priorities, and make sure your personal relationship is at the top of your list. Discuss with your partner/spouse ways you can support each other enough to balance what's REALLY important v. urgent - in both your relationship as well as work. Additionally, starting a new business venture is one of the toughest things you can do and so is having a good relationship. You may want to consider a couple of counseling sessions to help you and your spouse work through this issue. Good luck and keep on bossing well!
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