When I tell people that John and I run four businesses between us, the one question that comes up time and time again is, ‘How on earth do you have time to do all of that?!’ On top of that, I’m a charity secretary and a dog owner, so there’s always something demanding my attention. Working from home brings extra challenges—between throwing in laundry, prepping meals, and tidying up, the lines between work and life blur.
Then there’s the actual work—managing clients, overseeing operations, strategizing growth, and making sure each business runs smoothly. By the time you’re done nurturing your businesses and everyone else around you, there’s no energy left to nurture yourself. You collapse on the sofa, exhausted, only to do it all over again the next day.
I’m not going to say it’s easy, but over the last 10 years, we’ve learned a few lessons that work for us.
1. Embrace the Power of Saying No
Running four businesses means endless opportunities—and an endless list of demands. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Taking on every project, client, or collaboration can stretch you too thin.
Practice saying no to anything that doesn’t align with your goals or values. It’s not about missing out; it’s about protecting your time and energy for what truly matters. Saying no allows you to say yes to opportunities that truly excite you.
2. Set Crystal-Clear Boundaries
Boundaries are non-negotiable when managing multiple businesses. Without them, you’ll find yourself responding to emails at midnight or hopping on calls during dinner.
Communicate your working hours clearly to clients and team members. Establish response times, outline how you prefer to be contacted, and delegate tasks when possible. Boundaries aren’t restrictive—they’re empowering. They give you control over your time.
3. Outsource Where You Can
We soon realized we can’t do everything—yes, even VAs struggle to do it all! If we try to, something will inevitably get dropped. Most people think about outsourcing work tasks, but what about lifestyle tasks that drain your valuable time, too? We have a cleaner who comes once a fortnight for a deep clean, which means we only need to maintain things in between.
4. Keep Work Talk Away from the Weekend
We try to keep work talk away from the weekend—though it doesn’t always work out! Occasionally, it seeps into our personal time, but usually only when we’re planning something or need to focus on a particular business. Still, making an effort to separate work from downtime helps maintain balance.
5. Prioritize Movement and Fresh Air
When deadlines loom, it’s easy to stay glued to your desk all day. But your mind and body need breaks.
Step outside for a quick walk, even if it’s just around the block. Fresh air and movement can clear your mind, boost your energy, and spark creativity. It’s a small act that can have a big impact on your overall well-being. Thankfully, Connie reminds us when it’s time for a break and when to stop for dinner!
Final Thoughts: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup
Balancing multiple businesses is a challenge, but it’s possible to do it without burning out. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. By setting boundaries, simplifying your routines, and intentionally carving out moments to recharge, you can sustain your energy and passion for the long haul.
And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s outsourcing tasks, automating processes, or simply having someone to hold you accountable, support is out there.
Ready to lighten your load? Hiring a VA might be the ultimate self-care move. Let’s chat about how we can help you manage your businesses while keeping burnout at bay!
