Your Business or Your Family? Sometimes You Actually Have to Choose

Y'all, we need to have an honest conversation about something that doesn't get talked about enough in the parent-entrepreneur world: those seasons when your business and your family seem to be in direct competition for your time, energy, and attention.

I've talked a lot about making sure you're always there for your kids emotionally and physically, but the reality is you can't be all things to all people. There have been times when I've had to lean into growing the business, and Josh and the kids had to get on board.

That sounds blunt and a bit cruel, but come on - you know what I mean, right?

When Your Business Becomes Your Unhappiest Child

There's an old saying that goes something like "as a mother, you're only as happy as your unhappiest child." Well, occasionally the unhappiest child was our consulting business.

This struggle seemed to rear its head whenever RSG Sales was about to hit a growth phase. In 2010-2012, Josh was working closely with a client in Atlanta. He would spend 3-4 nights a week traveling for that client. It was A LOT for me.

I was:

• Running the day-to-day operations of RSG

• Growing our client base

• Hiring a new team member

• Solo parenting our kids (who were in middle and high school)

• Managing all their activities and school commitments

Let me be crystal clear: it sucked. The more successful RSG got, the harder it was to be a present parent. I couldn't go to any of the kids' away games, which was common for parents to do at their school. I was barely able to get dinner on the table each night.

And if I'm being totally honest, I know I relied too heavily on my oldest daughter to help with household chores, driving, and all the other stuff that goes into having a family.