The other night during dinner my son and I ended up in this discussion and comparison between being a business owner and being a parent. My son’s general thought was that having a business was much easier than having a kids. I was pretty surprised by that because based on the 4 billion discussions about picking his pants up that we’ve had, you would think he would have said being a parent is much more challenging.
In any case by time the conversation was over he had a pretty good idea about business and children and just how much alike they really are. It made me think, especially after writing, “Wake up fool! Everyone has dreams” that I should share some of what we discussed here. I have a pretty good feeling that many of the business owners, entrepreneurs and parents that read my blog will have no problem adding to this list.
How Being a Business Owner is Like Being a Parent
1. Both will keep you up at night.
2. Kids and business both require constant maintenance.
3. Your business and children need guidance.
4. Businesses and children require constant learning by the owner/parent.
5. Your business will require motivation and so will your kids.
6. Children and business are rarely convenient.
7. Both will require you to be SELFLESS.
8. Both cost money.
9. Stress is a guarantee with kids and business.
10. Challenges are a dime a dozen in business and with kids.
11. No sick days.
12. Without proper planning both can lead to unhappiness.
13. The element of surprise is always present.
14. Being a business owner and parent both require passion.
15. You’re always available.
16. With the right personal investment both will put a smile on your face that only YOU can truly appreciate.
Parting Shots
Being a business owner is a amazing, I love it and I would never want to trade it for anything in the world except maybe… a sweat gig at Google, Facebook, 37Signals, Rypple or Richard Branson’s island.
Your Turn
If you’re a business owner with kids (BOWK) haha, sorry. Anyway, leave a comment and add something to the list that you think being a business owner and parent has in common.
P.s. I really hated the title for this article, what would you have titled it?
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Twitter: indiabucket
Yes business is just like a son and really we need to care of it.
Rakesh Kumar´s last [type] ..Motorola W403 – Mobile Phone with CLI Monochromatic Display
What a great comparison EJ, I Totally Agree.
In order to own a business and survive you have to have dedication, determination and an open mind to ever changing circumstances.
These are the same skills you need to be a GOOD parent.
There are vast differences between every child and parent but you need skills and a thought process to work thru these issues. Having multiple children is very similar to having multiple employees with different views and personalities. You need to evolve and treat each child a little different to be able to communicate and connect with that child or employee.
Children and owning a business is very similar yet you have to adapt to each situation to survive either of them.
I am looking at a funny sign on my desk that applies to both circumstances being addressed in this post.
“Raising Children is Like being Peck to Death by a Chicken”
So many true points John!
You’re always available. – BUT… family comes first. It must.
Christopher Roberts´s last [type] ..Thought for the day 9th of March
I couldn’t agree with this list more. Businesses require plenty of dedication and care, just as you would a child.
For me the business is the easy part right now, although my business is quite a bit smaller then yours. The kids however are driving my stress levels crazy
twins boys at 18 months and a 3 year old daughter will do that though. They are so cute when they are not crying and whining though.
Twitter: extremejohn
Haha I feel you Crystal, the kids bring stress to a whole new level.