Should You Share Work Stress at Home?
As a community business owner, you dedicate significant time and energy to building and running your company. But even when the business is operational, the daily tasks and unexpected challenges can be overwhelming.
Many entrepreneurs choose to leave their work-related stress at the office, hoping to shield their spouses from the pressures of the business. While this approach can have its benefits, it also comes with potential downsides, especially during challenging times.
The Pros of Keeping Work at Work
For some entrepreneurs, keeping business matters out of the home creates a sense of relief. Meg Cadoux Hirshberg, wife of Gary Hirshberg, CEO of Stonyfield Farm, shared her perspective in Inc. magazine:
“I wanted to listen to a financial report the way I watch the movie The Shining: running out of the room during particularly terrifying scenes,” she said.
Gary Hirshberg, like many entrepreneurs, avoided bringing work problems home, knowing how taxing they already were during the day. As one CEO put it, “Entrepreneurs have people freaking out on them all day long. We don’t want the same thing at home.”
For some couples, this approach can create a much-needed separation between work and personal life.
The Risks of Staying Silent
While keeping business concerns out of the home may reduce stress for a time, it can also lead to emotional disconnect. During high-stress periods—such as when a financial plan unravels or the company’s future is uncertain—not sharing these burdens can harm relationships.
“Couples become disconnected from huge chunks of each other’s emotional lives,” Cadoux Hirshberg warns.
Sharing some of the struggles can foster mutual understanding and support. For example, Mitchel and Kristin Harad, a San Francisco couple running separate businesses, set aside 30 minutes weekly to discuss work updates. This controlled setting helped them stay informed without overwhelming each other.
Finding the Right Balance
Navigating the intersection of business and personal relationships requires a thoughtful approach:
- Schedule Work Talks: Dedicate specific times to discuss business matters, ensuring they don’t dominate daily conversations.
- Know Your Spouse’s Preferences: Some partners may prefer not to hear about daily problems but still want to be kept in the loop occasionally.
- Seek Outside Support: Turning to trusted advisors or financial experts can help alleviate the burden of making tough decisions alone.
First United Bank & Trust: Your Partner in Business Success
At My Bank, we understand the challenges community business owners face. We work predominantly with small business owners like you, offering personalized advice and financial solutions to support your growth. Let us help you manage your business stress. Visit your local My Bank branch, call us, or explore our resources online. Together, we can find ways to help your business thrive—without bringing the stress home.