One thing that I absolutely love about mine and Jeremy's life is that we are fortunate enough to work together. Some people might hear this and think "Oh no! No thank you!" It isn't for everyone and it takes some getting used to, but I don't see us having it any other way :) Honestly, I feel kind of spoiled at times!
When I first met Jeremy and his cute entrepreneurial-self, he was managing and running his own fitness facility. I was going to college and trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Once I graduated I still wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Jeremy had gotten back in to his real estate business and suggested I give it a try. So that is what I did. I took my courses, passed the exam and am now a real estate agent!
I have always been a rule follower and done what is "right" or "supposed to be next". I can also be a big worry-wart about what people might think. I wouldn't say I have low self confidence or anything, I just have always had that feeling of having to prove myself in a way. Jeremy on the other hand has kind of been a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy. It may be a guy thing, I don't know but he doesn't seem to care what others think. When he sets his mind to something he goes for it, no matter what (& I admire the heck out of him for that!) I think throughout the years both of us have taught each other different things and have grown from them.
Now! Getting to the part of us actually working together has been a journey, that's for sure. When I first got my license I still felt like I needed some guidance. Again, going back to me being a rule-follower and worrying about what others might think, I was afraid to mess up or not know the answer to a question. Jeremy on the other hand wanted me to get out of my comfort zone and kind of figure things out on my own as I went. That's just not my style, haha! After butting heads for a bit we sat down, talked it out and found a compromise. I promised to get out of my comfort zone a little more as long as he was there for backup if I needed it :)
I decided to bring Jeremy in on this blog post and get his thoughts of what its like to work with your spouse. I figured his outlook will be slightly different than mine and help give more input. Now we are by no means professionals at working together. We are newlyweds for goodness sakes, so we still have a LOT of learning to do from each other. But! We do have a few years under our belt and here is what we came up with :)
1. Upside of working with your spouse>>
One of our favorite things about working together is we get to experience things together that happen in that moment! If one of us makes a sale or gets a new client we are right there able to witness each others joys and successes. Most of the time you would have to wait to hear all about what happened at work when you got home, but for us we are usually together when something happens so we get to share that moment first hand. This might be a negative for some people because it can be exciting to come home after a long day and share some exciting news with your spouse but it is just as sweet to see it actually happen :)
2. Downside of working with your spouse>>
For this one, Jeremy and I were pretty spot on with each other. In the beginning it first felt like a business arrangement because Jeremy was basically my boss. It was hard to find that balance between instructor/husband for him and for me it was hard taking orders from him that way haha! Now that I feel comfortable we aren't really in that place anymore but it was hard for a while. But it can be hard adjusting to the new roles you are in. No matter what we never put our marriage on hold, even though we are co-workers, first and foremost we are husband and wife :)
3. Separating work life from home life>>
This one really just depends on our moods. Some days I don't mind talking about work at home, while other times I don't want to hear the words "real estate" "office" "gym" or "showings" ha! Jeremy could probably talk about work all day long, that's just how he is but he does a good job of leaving work at the office. Since we own our business work technically never stops, but you just gotta find the time to put it on hold and take a break. My advice I would give is to just be honest and up front saying "okay tonight I really just want us to relax at home and talk about something else than work".
4. Key to success with working with your spouse>>
When you can be around each other constantly and it makes your day BETTER, that it success. If you don't see eye-to-eye with each other, then things probably aren't going to go over very smoothly. We each have different projects we work, don't worry we aren't attached at the hip all day long (I don't think ANYBODY could do that ha!) But the fact that we can turn to each other for ideas or help to better ourselves and our work makes us that much more successful. Respect plays a huge part in this!
5. Our recommendations>>
Before starting a business with your spouse, we recommend making sure you are compatible to work together before anything else! It is so important to know what you are getting yourself in to. You don't want to bring out the worst in each other, but the best! Again, most people prefer keeping their work life and married life separate, but if you and your spouse have the same goals and can set boundaries early on and know exactly what you are getting in to then you will be just fine. I will say this, though; be O-K with letting the other person lead or be in charge. You may think your way is the best way but you are a team and you gotta let the other person bring their perspective to the table. Opposites DO attract :) Lastly, be sure to MAKE time for your relationship, work can always wait.
Working with your spouse has its challenges but it also has its many rewards! Finding that balance is absolute KEY. And you know, it is pretty awesome being able to give them a kiss any time you want ;) I really hope those who are wanting to start a business together take the time to really learn about each other and go in to it on the same page. And most of all I wish you THE BEST of luck! :) It can be stressful at times, but at the end all that matters is each other and your marriage ALWAYS comes first.
If you have any questions or want to know more about how we got started message me here! :)
xo,
Micaiah