This is a guest post written by a good friend of ours, Justin Lukasavige. Justin is a doer: someone who takes charge and makes things happen. He is a storywriter who starts businesses, launches ideas, and, through and with others, is changing the world. Connect with him at Coach Radio or follow him on Twitter.
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An obvious benefit of self-employment is working whenever it’s most convenient. While it hasn’t happend overnight, I’ve slowly built my business to the point where I have full control of when I do and don’t work.
I have three girls at home (ages three, five, and seven) and I want to spend as much time with them as possible while they’re growing up. The older two are in schools that follow the traditional calendar and I’ve used it to intentionally spend more time with them.
Spring Break just happened here in Colorado. We didn’t travel anywhere and I didn’t completely take the week off, but we have spent a lot of time together. By modifying my normal schedule a bit, I’ve been able to spend more time working in the early mornings, before the kids wake up. That leaves breakfast time and on free for fun family activities.
Work harder and smarter, not longer. Your family thanks you.
Question: Have you been able to modify your schedule to do things you enjoy?
Because my husband and I decided when we began our family that I would be home with our children, I have been blessed to do so. He is a teacher, so he has had summers and school holidays off to be with them as well. I always worked at something from home – even when they were small, but I was always here with them, took them to school and picked them up every day, was a room parent and just totally loved every minute. We certainly could’ve had more money had I worked a more part-time or full-time job then – but neither of us regrets a thing!
That’s great, Ann. It’s neat that you’re able to look back now and that you’re thankful you made those sacrifices. I’m sure things like picking your children up from school every day are precious memories for both you and your children.
I’m fortunate to be at home full time as well as my wife. I try to focus hard while my girl is in school to get things done for work so that when she’s at home, I have more time with her.
That’s the way to do it, Michael. Keep at it!
Justin,
My husband is home this week and I’m adjusting my schedule to spend more time with him. However, I’m feeling a bit guilty about not staying on track. I’m sure that will subside over time as I have more visible “fruit” from the investment of time.
Have a Victorious Day!
Marianne Clements
Victory Christian Coaching
Priorities, Marianne. Sounds like you’re doing it right.
I haven’t reached that point yet but I’m working towards it. I’ve left the world of retail and jumped into the world of office hours, for now. My goal is to get a couple of businesses setup and working so that I can spend my time where I see fit and do the things that bless my family and others.
It often seems like a lofty goal but it’s something I desire strongly. Taking it one step at a time and knowing it will happen.
That’s great, Joe. You’ll get there and be glad you made the sacrifices to do so. I’m working on the some of those same goals. It’s not easy, but I think it’s well worth it. Do you and your wife have kids? How many?
Yes, they’ll be worth any of the sacrifices that will be made. It can be so hard though when it seems so far away. Just gotta remind ourselves what the reward is.
My wife and I have no children, yet. She’s getting restless and wanting some, so I’m sure it’ll be sooner than later.
Do you and Claudia only have the one kid? How’s it been being a father?
Joe,
Yes, our son Jude is our only child. He’s about 7 months old right now.
I’m loving being a father! Having kids was something I was a little scared about because I wasn’t sure how everything would workout. But, we’ve been figuring it out as we go and things have never been better.
One of the fun things now that he is not a newborn anymore, is that he gets really excited to see me everyday. It’s those little things that have brought a ton of joy!
Awesome Michael. Glad to hear that things are going awesome with Jude. Sounds like he’s a bundle of joy!
I imagine that that would be such an encouraging thing to come home to, a little one that is so excited to see his/her daddy.
Having kids is something that I’ve been real hesitant with. Like I said previously, my wife is ready to have them now and I get nervous and fearful thinking about it.
How will it work out? Will I do a good job? How will our dogs deal with a baby? All these questions and yeah…
I hear you! I have to admit I was really dragging here and this was a significant source of frustration for Claudia. I was letting fear control me and wasn’t really thinking about the situation objectively. I finally realized there would never be the “perfect” time to start a family and I just needed to go for it. I’m so glad I did.
Justin, you’re a true example to follow as a builder and doer, and just making great things happen. Your adventures have inspired me very much so to really strive and live my dreams. I too intentionally work my schedule so that I can spend as much time with my family as possible. It’s a blessing that I’m so grateful for, and I hope I’m really making these important years of their lives count…
Thanks, Rob. It’s something that continues to evolve over time. Keep at it.
Earlier this year I modified my office schedule to work four days a week at my office job and then work one day a week on my business. Even though I am still working a total of five days a week, I have gained control over an additional day and I can manipulate the fifth day as desired to spend time with my wife and 7 month old daughter and even squeeze in a off road bike ride. I am enjoying the new freedom freedom while I am working on transitiong to self-employment. Thanks for your example and encouragement Justin.
Trey,
Thanks for the comment and congrats on the 7 month old! Our son is also 7 months so we’re adjusting to life with a baby now as well.
I think that’s great that you are actively seeking out ways to do things better. That’s crucial with a new baby and starting a business. I took a look at http://www.onesolutionfor.me/. You have some cool stuff going on over there!
Michael thanks for allowing this guest post. I have been shedding responsibility for the last year to do just this. I worked with Justin and have been in Free Agent Academy for 2 years and am now to the point where I can actually make this happen. So thanks to you for allowing this and thanks to Justin and the gang at FAA for giving me vision to making this happen. Blessings, Rob
You’re a great example, Rob!