Work-life balance / separation: a good idea that isn't.

Hello, even from my hospital bed I have not forgotten you. Today I am going to talk about a subject close to my heart, one where I have always gone against the grain of most of the advice you will find on the Internet. It is that famous » balance » or the » separation » between work and personal life.

Of course, my advice is aimed particularly at « home entrepreneurs » or anyone who wants to become one, whether you freelance or run an empire from home.

For those who, like me, made this choice for a better life and more freedom, what I want above all is not to recreate the same situation and constraints I could have with the » commute, work, sleep « routine.

Most entrepreneurs I know who try to create a real separation between the two fail, totally or partially, on one side, the other, or both: it is all compromise and sacrifice. I refuse compromises and for nearly 20 years now I have made different choices, choices I do not regret.

First, understand that when you choose to work for yourself, it is not to turn that work into a burden, otherwise what is the point? Instead, your work must give you moments of satisfaction, in the same way as the rest of your everyday life. If it does not, you are already on the wrong path.

Your work must instead be a potential source of pleasure, fulfilment and growth. As an entrepreneur, your work is not just there to put » grub on the table « . If that is your mindset: go and get yourself a salaried job again, quickly.

Here is some advice to help you adopt this way of doing things.

1- The first is to stop feeling guilty: no there is nothing wrong if you glance at your messages, emails or whatever else during your » free time « , the whole point of » running a business from home » is being free to organise yourself without constraints: to hell with schedules! We do what suits us, when it suits us. You want to check your linkedin account while you are cooking? Your choice. That is the point: you have no boss to stop you.

2- Unless you have major constraints such as on-site appointments, etc.: adapt your working hours to what suits you. That is precisely one of the main freedoms of » running a business from home « . Want to watch netflix with your family? Do it. Work when you feel like it. What matters is getting the job done: you decide when. If you are a night owl, do it at night, or whenever you like.

3- Some people struggle with their surroundings. I do not. But if you need long stretches of concentration, it is better to have a space where you can shut yourself away if needed. I have learned to work at home just as I would in a café. The activity around me becomes background noise that does not particularly affect my concentration. I can move around with the weather and my mood, to whichever place inspires me most for what I am doing.

4- In the digital age, do not hesitate to use the right tools. Is it really necessary to go and meet this client when webex, skype or something else could do the trick? As for me, I do everything remotely, and have for years, including sensitive meetings without a problem. Of course inspecting a building site means travelling, but for the rest, many things can be anticipated thanks to digital tools.

5- Explain things clearly and involve your family. If you are not single, it is important that the people you live with understand that, sprawled on your sofa with your laptop, you are working and earning money. Do not hesitate to involve them: just because you are there does not mean you are available to change the sheets while writing an email or coding a new function.

In the end, breaking down this barrier between personal and professional life gives you a much more relaxed rhythm without the usual daily constraints. To this day, it is one of the biggest benefits I have gained from this situation. Contrary to what you might think reading this, it is not complicated to put into practice.

But, as with everything else, you have to choose » running a business from home » for the right reasons.