Ask Dave on Business with Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey, author of New York Times best-selling books Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership, answers business and financial questions for TwoTen Magazine readers.
Balancing Business and Personal
Dear Dave,
I own a small company, and lots of times I feel like I'm devoting too much time to the business and not spending enough time with my family day to day. How do you find a balance between home and work?
— Pat
Dear Dan,
I get asked this question a lot. Truth be told, the idea of everything being in balance on a daily basis is a myth. No one can perfectly juggle all that life has to offer—the spiritual, emotional, financial, home, work, and physical— every single day. It’s just not possible. Still, you need to make sure you strive for balance over the scope of time.
I started running a few years ago, and I’m out of balance if I’m training for a marathon, because I spend more time training. The same is true with work. There are times when you have to work hard, and occasionally this can bleed over into other things. I think the answer lies in really being into whatever you’re doing. Listen and participate in conversations with your kids instead of watching television. Take your spouse out on dates, and turn off the cell phone. When you’re with your family you should really be with them. Then, when you have to work, chances are they won’t be mad at you.
We all waste so much time, and then complain that we’re out of balance. Ebb and flow takes place in every aspect of our lives. So, I think we should all stop wasting the time we have!
— Dave
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