Title: The Unexpected Challenges of Parenting While Running a Small Business
As a small business owner, I always thought I had everything under control. I founded a food delivery service that thrived for five years; it became a beloved staple in the community, generating a consistent flow of orders. To outsiders, my lifestyle seemed liberating and full of potential. But everything shifted dramatically when I welcomed my first child into the world.
Suddenly, the flexibility I once cherished in my business transformed into an overwhelming burden. Mornings that began at 5 AM turned into a frantic race to juggle emails, meal preparations, and customer inquiries—all while adapting to the needs of a newborn. There were even moments when I had to bring my baby along for deliveries or into the kitchen during busy shifts, particularly when staff members were unable to work.
One particularly harrowing experience stays with me: I answered a call regarding a missed delivery while cradling a feverish infant, tears streaming down my face as I stood in the pantry. This was my wake-up call. The reality was stark: my enterprise relied entirely on my efforts, and the weight of that responsibility was suffocating.
I found myself harboring resentment towards a business I once passionately nurtured. In a moment of frustration, I confided in my husband that perhaps shutting it all down was the best option. His apprehension didn’t stem from a fear of failure, but rather from recognizing that my role had become a bottleneck for its success.
To my surprise, two weeks before the arrival of my second child, I successfully found a buyer for the business. That whirlwind experience was nothing short of insane.
Now, with my second child growing and approaching 15 months, I’m eager to embark on a new venture, armed with the lessons learned from my previous experience. I am focused on building a business model designed for sustainability and less reliant on my constant involvement.
This brings me to an important question: Have any fellow entrepreneurs faced similar challenges in reshaping their business models after becoming parents? What adjustments did you make, if any? I would love to hear your stories and insights as we all navigate this delicate balance. Personally, I aspire to minimize my phone usage by 90% when I’m with my kids—a goal that may be ambitious, but one I strive for nonetheless.
Let’s share our experiences and support one another in this rewarding yet challenging journey of entrepreneurship and parenthood.
