Growing Up Too Fast: Cherishing Moments in a Work to Live Business

My youngest granddaughter might have just participated in her final ‘trick or treat’. At 11 and in her first year at middle school, she almost didn’t participate this year. She went back and forth all afternoon on whether she really wanted to dress up and go out this year. In the end, she donned her makeshift vampire outfit, complete with her beloved Doc Marten’s, grabbed my black tote bag with the gold astrological signs printed on it, and went out for about an hour. The lure of costumes and candy just doesn’t hold the same appeal for her as it has in past years. It made me sad to think that she’s grown up so quickly that she’s beginning to leave these wonderful memory-making activities behind. I realize how lucky I’ve been to be here to experience them with her for most of her 11 years. How lucky I am that my business is flexible enough that I can work to live and enjoy all of her and her sister’s memorable moments.

The Value of Flexibility

As a female business owner, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible value of flexibility in both life and work. My journey has allowed me to savor the small, precious moments with my family, like the recent Halloween experience with my youngest granddaughter. With her transition to middle school, she teetered on the edge of deciding whether ‘trick or treating’ was still something she wished to partake in.

Watching her contemplate the decision was a reminder of how swiftly children grow up. The excitement of choosing the perfect costume, the thrill of collecting candy from every neighbor’s door, and the joy of sharing those moments with loved ones – all of these experiences were becoming memories, cherished but evolving.

It’s moments like these that emphasize the importance of work-life balance. My business journey has provided me with the flexibility to be present for my family, to share in their growth and adventures. As my granddaughter embarked on what very well could be her final ‘trick or treat,’ I couldn’t help but reflect on the opportunities my flexible business has afforded me.

Here are some insights into how flexibility in your business can enhance your life and allow you to relish these treasured moments:

Being Present for Milestones:

Whether it’s Halloween, a school play, or a soccer game, flexibility enables you to be there for your loved ones when it truly matters.

Creating Lasting Memories:

You can actively participate in and contribute to the special moments that shape your family’s history, ensuring that your presence leaves an indelible mark on their memories.

Work to Live Integration:

Flexible work arrangements let you strike the balance between professional success and personal fulfillment. It’s about working to live, not the other way around.

No Regrets:

Embrace these moments because they’re fleeting. With a flexible business, you’re less likely to look back with regrets about missed opportunities.

As my granddaughter walked out the door in her vampire costume, I was reminded of the importance of work-life balance and the joy of being present for those we care about. So, if you find yourself at a crossroads in your business, ponder the choices that grant you the flexibility to create memories, like my fortunate choice to ‘work to live.’ Because the true beauty of life is in the moments we’re able to embrace, especially those spent with the ones we love the most.