Family and Entrepreneurship

I’ve become increasingly concerned about business and family life.  This week’s curricula, to include the lecture videos, shed some light on the balance needed to make sure that the entrepreneurial lifestyle doesn’t take priority above family and God.  Despite my qualms with my current job in the military, it does provide plenty of family time.  Living in Europe, every month has a long weekend which we’ve thoroughly enjoyed.  Plus 30 days paid vacation and off on all federal holidays is hard to beat.  Is this enough of a reason to continue in a job that seems less satisfying and potentially holding you back from certain life goals? I’ve asked myself this question often.  The military has afforded me opportunities that I would never have had otherwise.

I worry that my pursuit of owning a veterinary practice will require considerable time and attention away from my family.  Is it better to sacrifice personal pursuits for more family time?  I think I’ve learned from this course, that priorities and boundaries must be set.  I was happy to hear one lecturer state that family meal time was protected.  No matter what was going on at work, the family was together at these times.  The other freedom that comes with business ownership is the freedom to involve your family.  If time away from the business is not financially feasible, it will become the “family” business and may have to be the gathering place.  The entrepreneurial adventure appears challenging, but as long as my family is by my side, it will be rewarding through the good and bad.