When a business is running on or ahead of budget its impact on family life is generally positive to minimal. Once a business slips into trouble then the impact on family life becomes significant and negative. Longer hours are worked, the working day is stressful and its hard to arrive home looking and sounding cheerful after a day of tough conversations and stress.

In instances where the family home has been pledged to the bank to secure business debt the mood at home can become intolerable and can often lead to the break down of relationships and angst all around.

In our home we have maintained a general rule that no business is discussed after 6.00pm or on weekends. This generally works well but occasionally you know one family member is struggling with cash flow or a target is slipping away and you read it in their demeanor.

I often say to people "yes you can earn great rewards in business both emotionally and financially but its a long tough road and not one for the faint hearted"

To enjoy a complex business  and a happy and harmonious family requires maturity, awareness of others and a preparedness to forgive and work hard at relationships.

I don't think there is a simple answer here. I think that it's to be expected that if you are happy generally your performance and ability with work is enhanced. When things aren't going so well personally let's say a situation that is beyond your control - the sickness of a loved one for example, work can offer a healthy distraction from the turmoil at home. I believe that some industries or professions require more separation from what's going on at home than others, particularly if you are in a service based industry dealing with people. A true professional will soldier on with a spring in their step and a smile on their face no matter what. It's harder to manage when you run your own business as it's often work that encroaches into your personal space in many different ways.  

Hi Wendy

I know I'm coming into the game a little late here but I thought I'd share some personal insight. I've been working with business owners for more than 25 years and tracking some metrics for the last 7 years as it relates to business success and personal satisfaction. What I have learned is that the business owners who do a few things tend to achieve greater success, faster, and can sustain their growth and satisfaction, longer.

Here are a few of the elements the successful owners use

1. Do what you love - no exceptions

The business owner needs to be able to find the work they do compelling in some way.

2. Create business in a way the serves you, your business, your clients, your vendors, your staff, and the greater good.

3. Do what you do for a reason beyond just making money. Is there a charity you believe in? Is there something that you want to see change in the world for the better. Let your interest in supporting this effort become a part of your business commitment. 

4. Allow work to become a part of who you are rather than everything you do and you are. Balance is key.

5. Have fun. Really, Make sure that whatever you do you can find a way to integrate some fun. This is a win for everyone.

When a business is running on or ahead of budget its impact on family life is generally positive to minimal. Once a business slips into trouble then the impact on family life becomes significant and negative. Longer hours are worked, the working day is stressful and its hard to arrive home looking and sounding cheerful after a day of tough conversations and stress.

In instances where the family home has been pledged to the bank to secure business debt the mood at home can become intolerable and can often lead to the break down of relationships and angst all around.

In our home we have maintained a general rule that no business is discussed after 6.00pm or on weekends. This generally works well but occasionally you know one family member is struggling with cash flow or a target is slipping away and you read it in their demeanor.

I often say to people "yes you can earn great rewards in business both emotionally and financially but its a long tough road and not one for the faint hearted"

To enjoy a complex business  and a happy and harmonious family requires maturity, awareness of others and a preparedness to forgive and work hard at relationships.