Work-life balance is especially challenging for entrepreneurs because the choice is theirs. When you're in charge of how much or how little you do, how do you find the right balance?
Sure, there's flexibility for personal time, but what about customer expectations? With current technology enabling people to work 24/7, must you always be available? And if you pull back, what's the cost?
Incubator talked to three Toronto entrepreneurs, each with different priorities and solutions that work for them.
Judi Gernon, a Harvard MBA who works from home as an independent consultant for entrepreneurial companies in marketing and strategic development. Married with three school-aged children.
Brian Sharwood, president of Homestars.com, an online directory with ratings on home improvement companies. Married without children.
Pamela Jeffery, founder of the Women's Executive Network (WXN), an organization for women in managerial and executive roles in Canada and Ireland. Newly married and the mother of two teenage sons.
How do you manage work-life balance?
Judi Gernon, a Harvard MBA who works from home as an independent consultant for entrepreneurial companies in marketing and strategic development.
Judi Gernon: I realize I can't be perfect in either area. Both groups can be demanding. It's a personal choice to be there for my children. I try to set realistic expectations so that I can manage my work load and my clients' needs but also support my kids' and husband's needs as well. I have flexibility as well as stimulation for my mind by being out there in the business world. I took this summer off rather than put the kids in camps or hire someone. In September, I'll pick it up again with networking.
Brian Sharwood: My work is my life. I work 100 per cent during work hours and maybe 50 per cent during off hours. Other people might have a different view of their life/work balance but I love what I do so it's easy for me.
Pamela Jeffery: Being an entrepreneur and having a family is not for the faint of heart. I keep my energy levels high by working out and watching what I eat. I take time to engage in conversation with my kids when I'm at home and make sure I'm part of their lives. When you're at work, focus on what you're doing and when you're home, focus on home.
What are the biggest challenges?
Judi Gernon: The biggest challenge for me is co-ordinating the time between when I need to be at client meetings with the time I need to be at school events or picking up the kids.
Brian Sharwood, president of Homestars.com, an online directory with ratings on home improvement companies.
Brian Sharwood: To me, work and life are combined. It does annoy my wife that I work so much at home but she's often on her BlackBerry for work.
Pamela Jeffery: Getting enough sleep is a challenge. I wake up in the middle of the night and my head fills with my grocery list or office tasks. I also have to find time for to maintain my friendships because I can't do without my friends.
What or who gets priority?
Judi Gernon: My clients understand I'm a mum. I make sure I set the deadlines and explain my availability to clients so they understand what I can and can't do. You have to juggle the priorities.
Brian Sharwood: If you have kids, that becomes a high priority. But my passion for my business wouldn't change.
Pamela Jeffery, founder of the Women's Executive Network.
Pamela Jeffery: If one of my kids is in a sports tournament during the day, I'm always there. My clients and my team are not going to miss me if I step out for half a day.
