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COUPLES WORKING TOGETHER > The Pros & Cons of Couples Working, Living and Traveling Together
WORK & BUSINESS FOR COUPLES>
It sounds romantic, doesn’t it?
The opportunity of working, living, and traveling with your significant other?
From our own experience as an FDN couple, there are definite advantages to working together. You get to really (really!) know your partner inside and out, while also being able to work on your shared goals and business simultaneously. At the same time though, there are disadvantages. Not everything is all champagne and red roses after all when you set about living, working, and traveling with a partner 24/7 – 365 days a year!
THE PROS
MORE QUALITY TIME TOGETHER
It is said the best relationships can’t be rushed but are formed over time. When coworking and -living, there is the added bonus of spending a lot of time together that is not normally available to couples with regular jobs having to commute to different locations daily. This affords couples the opportunity to get to know their partner exceptionally well.
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION
Its been proven that couples who work together communicate a lot better. Probably since they have to talk about everything that involves their personal and business lives; from who is going to cook dinner to which marketing strategy to follow during the next advertising campaign.
SHARING WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES
Fun in the sun with a partner anyone? Human beings have always loved sharing. From food to stories and memories. FDN couples are especially lucky in that they can experience everything together. An aspect that can strengthen the relationship for the better and create many wonderful memories to look back upon when you are both old and gray.
COOPERATION IMPROVES
Since a lot of time and energy is spend daily on solving problems in their business, FDN couples have to learn how to communicate effectively and clearly with one another. The opportunity to address and overcome obstacles strengthens cooperation.
SHARED INTERESTS
Couples who work together are likely to share common interests and will be able to communicate on a wide range of subject matter that interests both.
SKILL LEARNING
Is your partner excellent at graphic design while you are a writing pro? Skill sharing and knowledge transference between partners working together happen quite often when coworking. The best? It’s free!
LESS OPPORTUNITY FOR JEALOUSY OR UNFOUNDED ASSUMPTIONS
More often than not, couples who work together will have a strong bond based on trust and respect that has been created due to the many problems they had to overcome and the amount of time spent together. Furthermore, since you both work and live together, you always know where your partner is and who is within their circle of friends.
THE CONS
MORE QUALITY TIME TOGETHER
It is said the best relationships can’t be rushed but are formed over time. When coworking and -living, there is the added bonus of spending a lot of time together that is not normally available to couples with regular jobs having to commute to different locations daily. This affords couples the opportunity to get to know their partner exceptionally well.
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION
Its been proven that couples who work together communicate a lot better. Probably since they have to talk about everything that involves their personal and business lives; from who is going to cook dinner to which marketing strategy to follow during the next advertising campaign.
NOT A LOT OF ‘ME-TIME’
There might be times when you need a little personal space and time on your own. When coliving and coworking, it’s not always possible to enjoy quality time by yourself.
SAME-SAME EVERY DAY
Couples who have no interests outside of work, and who share the same circle of friends, living space and interests, are prone to end up doing the same things every day. These, among several others, can lead to boredom. Its recommended that both partners partake in a hobby or sport that is unique to them.
SOCIAL CIRCLE IS ONE & THE SAME
Most often, when partners start working and living together, they will share the same circle of friends or connections. Thought this is a positive, it can also be negative in that there is less opportunity to meet new connections or friends.
WORK IN THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT (EVEN WHEN TRYING TO RELAX)
The lines between work and home can become so blurred that it’s later challenging to separate them.
DIFFERENT OPINIONS & PERSPECTIVES
Each partner in the relationship is also an individual with their unique perspective and options that have been crafted and honed since childhood. Culture, religion, and education are further influences on the character and perspective of a person. As such, situations in business and lifestyle can pop up where couples don’t always see eye to eye due to differing viewpoints. If not talked through, unresolved issues can later turn into resentment and bickering.
BUSINESS SKILLS VS. CREATIVE SKILLS
One partner might be more creative while the other is a pro at business management. Though, when running a business together, it is essential that both partners take on business tasks daily. The stronger the knowledge base of both partners in all aspects of their business, the better the business will perform.
UNFAIR TASK DISTRIBUTION
Aspects such as daily admin, finance, budget, goal setting, and planning are all tasks couples should both be able to handle. If tasks are not distributed equally among partners, one partner will start feeling overwhelmed and overworked. Unfair task distribution is common among couples who work together, especially if one partner is more dominant and faster at completing tasks than the other.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
TOP TIPS BY AND FOR FDN COUPLES WORKING AND LIVING TOGETHER:
- Effective communication goes a long way in any relationship. Though you might be spending 24/7 in one another company doesn’t mean you are talking about the important things. Kick start every week with two meetings. The first to discuss your weekly business goals, achievables, and to-do-list. The second, to focus on your personal lives.
- Prioritize work tasks and divide these equally between both partners.
- Divide tasks based on each partner’s best skills and abilities. (There might be tasks that neither of you is good at. Best to tackle those together.)
- Give one another personal space. Some decent ‘me’ time is essential. You don’t always have to do everything together.
- Listen intently to what a partner is trying to say without getting defensive. Listen first and then talk about the matter at hand from an objective point of view as best you can.
- Find hobbies outside of your work environment that would take you both out of your work or living space at least once a week. Example: Join a tennis club, the gym, or learn how to craft pottery. Whatever your heart desires, go for it!
- Set boundaries to separate work from lifestyle. Agree not to talk about work in the bedroom, while relaxing or when taking some time off.
- Mutual respect is vital in any relationship
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Do you work & live or work, live an travel with a partner? We would love to hear about your experience. Let us know in the comments below.
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4 Responses
I enjoyed this blog. Very insigtful.
Good Morning Angela. Glad you liked it! Have a great day!
Lol! This is true.. especially fighting about cleaning and work times. 😉
Good Morning Phil. Those two are certainly two of the biggies. Lol! Have a great day!