With people in the UK working some of the longest hours in the world, striking the right work/life balance is a constantly evolving battle. If you’re about to start work for the first time and are looking for places to apply, a company’s workplace culture could become a huge part of your decision process. Perhaps a flexi-Friday policy might appeal, whilst the thought of a company picnic would have you running for the door – but what about when you are the boss?
How do you have a life outside of work when your business is your life’s work?
It is still really important to look after your mental health and wellbeing by having interests and activities outside of work even when you are your own boss. If you’re self-employed, or looking to start up your own business, our entrepreneurs are here to show you how it’s possible to have a successful business AND a life! While sacrifices are to be expected, watch here to see how they have found balance:
Can you have a business and a life?
Jackie:
I think the goal for any entrepreneur is to, you know retire, on a beach and hang out in a yacht and all of those great things. And of course, all these things are possible, but it certainly doesn't come without sacrifice.
Saima:
You have to balance your work life, your personal life. You know, the time you spend with your family and friends.So it's definitely really, really difficult, but it can be really, really rewarding.
Oli:
I am a bit of a workaholic. I don't really stop. I should probably switch off more than I do, because I find it really hard to … because I think, primarily, it's because I love what I do.
Kayode:
I've even sacrificed girls. You know, I haven't had a girl-friend for five plus years because my focus has been what I'm trying to build.
Caspar:
I think a lot of people burn out, because they feel like they're not allowed to take a break.
Ben:
It's so important to invest in yourself, in your physical and mental health. You know at the end of the day, by you spending a bit of time investing in your mental well-being, then actually, that's far more effective than when you have to have a week off for a couple of days off because you just reach burn out. But there's difference in working hard and working smart and I think working smart comes when you have time to switch off.
Kayode:
So what is it you enjoy doing, which is nothing to do the business, Where you can just unwind? Whether that's going to a movie theatre, playing football if your me or even, I don't know man, even reading a book, like nothing to do with business. Maybe a fiction book? Harry Potter. Shout out to J.K. Rowling!
Sian:
For me, I like to exercise. So I try and get, you know, a class in at least three times a week if I can just to clear my head.
Oli:
Most people just think 'Oh, exercise is there to just lose a bit of weight, but it makes my mind, so much clearer, and just to get my blood pumping and just to work out really, really hard and just go for it. I can switch off; I can't be texting while I'm in on the treadmill or doing weights or whatever. So it allows me to just leave my phone and to just fully switch off for a bit.
Casper:
I think that a good tip for being able to have a good balance is to have structure and to not always be open to incoming emails or phone calls and things like that. Have time to yourself. So if it's weekends or after six pm where you just switches off completely.
Kayode:
You know, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, as they say.
Sian:
You can have a business and a life. It definitely is quite difficult to begin with. But once you get the hang of it and want start, like, time managing, I think that's the key thing: if you time manage you have time for everything.
So, to recap:
- Being your own boss will be difficult, but can be even more rewarding!
- Sacrifices, at least in the short-term (sorry Kayode!), are to be expected
- Burn-out is real. Be careful you don’t spread yourself or your energy too thin. Allow yourself to take a break
- Investing in your mental wellbeing, as and when you need to rest, is more effective than working too hard and then needing to take a long time off from your business
- Work smart, not hard. Build in time to switch off, and stay fresh
- Treat yo’self! What are your interests or hobbies? Make sure you have some time out to indulge these, whether it’s escaping into a good book, going to the cinema, exercising to clear your head or spending time with friends.
- Have a structure to your work day and respect your boundaries. For example, don’t allow yourself to always be open to incoming emails and calls at the weekends or after 6pm in the week. You don’t need to be instantly available to everyone all the time.
- When you manage your time properly, you have time for everything!
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