Small business owners of Reddit, did you have a supportive significant other while starting your business? If not, how did you handle and explain the long hours, lack of personal time, bootstrapped funds, etc to your SO?

What impact did this have on you, and did you ever feel like you had to choose one or the other, considering how low the odds are of having a successful business? Was balance ever a thing really?

I’m in my early 20’s and I’m looking to start a small business in my field. However, this is often something that I think about. I cannot imagine my current relationship lasting if I were to start and grow my business in its early stages while working my 9-5. Thanks!

  • jaytaylojulia@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Build it now before you have kids! My husband is very supportive, but I also have always had a great work-life balance. I also bought an existing business with loyal and trustworthy employees.

  • Successful_Bison_804@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    He or she should be supporting your goals 110%. if they aren’t they sure will be wishing they stayed with you when you make it!

  • navel-encounters@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Yes, I had issues with the SO early on. She was a CPA making good money 30-40 hours a week. I have a service company so I work 60 hours a week plus when I get home I have to make calls, go on quotes etc…at the end of the day, I built a GREAT lifestyle (she is now gone and I upgraded to someone that is equally as ambitious)…so whats more imporant? working hard NOW to build a future? or put in low effort to wallow around in the muck of mediocrity?