In one of my earlier blogs, I mentioned how the self-employed see work-life balance as very different from those in salaried roles. While self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs enjoy autonomy and are driven by passion, finding a work-life equilibrium is challenging. Though they realize the need for a personal life, for many of them, work and life intertwine, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal. 

The passion that drives them also leads to long working hours, and in this digital era of constant connectivity, the spatial boundaries of work and home have long been erased. The constant and fierce competition in the market amplifies this pressure, making it a challenge for them to disconnect from the work world. If you disagree, you may ask them if they check their smartphones when they wake up in the middle of the night!

If we look from the perspective of the family members, there are two probabilities—either they share the passion or they do not. Even in the first situation, this passion may be a double-edged sword. Sharing the vision may not take away the feeling of being neglected due to time constraints. The unpredictability of an entrepreneur's schedule may add strain, requiring adaptability and understanding from family members. How will they feel if the entrepreneur does not land up at a function, where the family members must constantly answer queries about their absence?

Matters are much worse for those who do not share the passion.

To counter these, open communication within the family is essential to understanding the demands of self-employment and finding mutually agreeable solutions. Normally, under-committing and over-delivering help in such situations.

Along similar lines, establishing clear boundaries and effective time management can help a self-employed professional schedule dedicated family time. Proper delegation of tasks may enhance efficiency, promote a healthier work-life balance, and reduce stress.

In short, I would like to say that it is a myth that self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs do not suffer from work-life balance issues. Even for them, it is a delicate balancing act between their professional and personal lives. Both entrepreneurs and their family members play pivotal roles in achieving harmony. Proper communication and delegation can pave the way for an improved work-life balance.

Is this true for all? No. Every self-employed professional or entrepreneur must find out what works for them, but neglecting personal life is not an option.