‘I wish you'd get a job’: The reality for small business owners

As the festive season approaches, small business owners in New Zealand are reminded of the importance of not only managing their business but also nurturing their relationships, ensuring that both can thrive in harmony.

With the holiday season just about upon us, small business owners and sole traders in New Zealand often face more than just cash flow challenges; they also confront the emotional strain that irregular income can place on their relationships.

Gaelene Adams Love, Managing Director and business relationship coach at Team Fusion International, highlights a poignant reality: “I wish you would get a job so we can have a regular income” is a refrain echoed by many partners of business owners, reflecting the stress that comes with fluctuating financial stability.

The holiday season, while joyous for many, can amplify the pressures faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With mounting financial obligations like staff salaries, GST, and provisional tax due in January, business owners often find themselves under significant strain.

“It’s not uncommon for the spouse or partner to demand the business owner get a job, as their spouse or partner seeks income and work-life balance stability,” says Adams Love. This tension can lead to conflicts, especially when one partner enjoys stable employment while the other grapples with the uncertainties of self-employment.

Adams Love points out that the dynamics can become especially fraught when the employed partner enjoys holiday breaks while the business owner feels compelled to work.

“Many business owners feel pressure to work part-time through the holidays to manage their business needs, especially when their partner expects family time or shared holiday plans,” she says.

This can create a cycle of stress that is hard to break, especially when the non-business partner struggles to understand the financial realities of entrepreneurship.

To navigate these challenges, she emphasises the importance of communication and partnership. Here are three strategies she recommends for small business owners to help manage stress during this hectic period:

Have open conversations: It’s vital to discuss financial and business challenges openly with your partner. Acknowledging their concerns and setting realistic expectations can ease tensions. “Give them a heads-up if a difficult period is expected.”
Make time for the relationship: Even amidst the busy season, carving out quality time for your relationship is crucial. Whether it’s a brief coffee date or a quiet evening together, prioritising your connection can help maintain balance.
Create a plan and stick to it: Planning how to manage your business during the holiday season well in advance can mitigate stress. Discussing this plan with your partner ensures that both of you are on the same page and can manage expectations.

Adams Love underscores that proactive communication and strategic planning are key to navigating the holiday season successfully. “By preparing early and involving their partners in the planning, business owners can alleviate some of the stress that tends to build during this time of year.”