April 1, 2008
Do Your Spouse & Family Support Your Business?
Posted by Alice Seba
I know this is a sensitive subject, but I hope you don’t mind sharing. I know that for many people it is challenging to get the support of their loved ones. In addition to discussing this question today, I’ll have my Three Thoughts on Getting the Support of Your Family just a little later this week.
I hope it will be helpful.
So, today’s question is:
Do your spouse and family support your business?
(You don’t have to leave your website address or your real name in the comments area if you’re more comfortable posting anonymously)
Free Marketing Course
Yes they do.
Yes, he does. Always has. Wasn’t convinced I could earn a good living until he saw it, but he was still always supportive.
My husband was always supportive of my staying home, but a little skeptical about whether or not I could make money, once I proved I could he was all smiles.
My family on the other hand, they just don’t get what I do and sometimes question whether I’ll ever get a “real” job.
My spouse is my biggest cheerleader and supporter. He convinced me that I could and should start my own business and spends hours every day listening to me talk, whine, dream, and babble about my latest venture! Can’t imagine being able to do it without him.
Oh, he does my photography, too…
My husband is very supportive of my business, and always has been. I still remember the first time he came home after work and asked me how my work day had been! Then I knew he believed in me and took my work seriously.
In the beginning, my family didn’t get what I was up to, but now my mom is one of my biggest clients.
So, yes, I have a lot of support on the home front.
My Husband has been very supportive in my business. He hasn’t always been however seeing my improvement and what I have accomplished has changed his mind. He is my biggest supporter in my life both business and home life. We often have discussions on things that I am doing that he has no idea about but he helps me learn these things. A few courses I have done that have been a little confusing he will read to help me understand better.
I know for a fact I would have given up if it was not for his support and help with this.
Very much so… hubs is very supportive and the kids work with me - so it’s been great. My husband does get a little tired of my evening computer time though, so I’m trying to cut back.
It’s really good to hear such supportive stories. I know there are many who aren’t as lucky, but they might be shy about speaking up.
I did get an email today from a reader and she said:
“I didn’t want to post this at your blog because I didn’t want to expose my husband for not supporting me. He goes through stages, he gives a little support and then takes it away. I’m making more money now than I ever have, but it doesn’t seem to matter.”
For me, I’ve always had the support of friends and family, thank goodness. But I wouldn’t stand for no support, LOL. Anytime my husband shows and inkling of the “Well, you’re at home…” feeling, I set him straight. But really, I’m lucky to have him around.
Hi,
My husband fully supports me in my business (even gives some encouragement to keep going when I get discouraged:-)
My son has his own internet business, so he’s totally on board. It’s fun being able to discuss strategies with him.
My daughter isn’t too keen on the whole idea of working from home, but then again, she’s twenty and wants to be out in the world. I totally understand that. I think she sees how much I enjoy it though, so she is happy about that.
Thanks for the question.
Wow, awesome to have all that support from all these stories…ok I’ll speak up. My Hubby, it’s not so much that he isn’t supportive, but he totally does not get it. He gets when I transfer money from Paypal to the bank account and that’s it, other than that, he thinks I play on the computer all day. My family is supportive and they “get it.” My mom is a WAHM and has been for 30 years almost so she totally gets it.
Barbara, I can relate to the playing on the computer thing, but in a slightly different way. My husband is a World of Warcraft player and clocks in a good chunk of time on the computer…and for a while he seemed to equate his time playing on the computer with my time on the computer. Had to say a few times, I am working…not playing dude…it IS not the same thing.
My husband is great, he’s even posting his upholstery stuff on my site. He loves looking at the analytics to see all the different countries, etc that have found our site.
At first, no, he was not supportive at all - it was a VERY sore spot between us. I would almost have to hide to get any work done. I would sneak onto the computer when he thought I was in the laundry room. After I started making money he realized this was not just a “hobby” and that I really was going to stick with it. Now it’s 5 years later and I’ve learned to manage my time a WHOLE lot better and put my family first. I am proud to say that he’s very supportive of me now and I even think he’s a little jealous that he can’t work from home too
Beth
Nope, I don’t have any support from my parents. But there are some other issues going on too besides the non support of me doing my business. I am an only child, and they feel that work at home businesses are scams. Most are scams, but there are a few that are legit and you can work from home. I am disappointed that I don’t have the support from them. But I do have support from my networking groups, and they encourage me to do what I need to do for my business.
My husband has been my biggest support from the get go. He never once doubted I could make my VA business a success. He had more faith in me that I did and was my biggest cheerleader when I was feeling less than positive.
He is so proud of what I am doing that he tells everyone he meets about it…which is great!!!
My Husband too is my biggest fan. He is very supportive and so are my kids. Althought I do need to learn how to manage my time better.
My family has always been my biggest supporters. I have always worked at home, they appreciate the things that it affords us as a family. They all also love the time that I have to dedicate to them. I home school my son, so working at home also allows me to work with him.