How about "not working"

[911cri]

I run a computer repair business from the home (out of the garage you might say), and because of the way I personalize with each and every client, I've grown very quickly, for a two man operation (step dad does pickup and delivery, parts purchasing, things like that. He's 75 and knows how to decrypt and burn a DVD [for backup only for anyone who'll flame about copyrights], so he's pretty with it...).

I will be hiring someone soon (aplus/netplus) as I want my role focus primarily on administrative and advisor as well as the Doctors offices I'm setting up the new cloud database systems for onsite, rather than repair (I'll miss it so). Neither of these are the reasons for which I'm writing this though. My problems is this; I can't seem to not work if I'm awake. When I wake up, the first thing I do is power up my rig (if it's not already on) then start the coffee pot. While coffee is perking, I'm sitting at my keyboard, checking my email, google listings, yahoo listing, etc.. for my keywords. I check my txt msgs, etc. etc. etc. Then I go get coffee, and reply to pertinent emails, del the junk, I'm sure you know the drill.

My main issue is that this is all great, if I'm single! But I'm getting married in September (my day off is Tues, and it's very rare that I actually take it. Even though we're closed, I still work and meet with clients...). I can't seem to get away from my desk/bench/phone/clients/blah blah blah, and it's not because of work, it's because this is just down right fun. It's like playing a game, only I win real money as a reward, instead of gold pieces. It's also that I value my clients, a LOT! I worry that if I'm not there for them (mother hen), that the world will end... I work until I can't hold my eyes open any longer (work? what's that, I get paid to play...), then I hit the bed, sleep for a few hours, and start all over again. I don't need an alarm as every day is exciting and I can't wait to get started.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to separate work from home life?

I've notice all the posts here on working, running the business, but none on actually "not working". Any advice would be appreciated. Please, try to keep replies intelligent. Thank you and best regards.

Cheers, Tony

P.S. I am not a workaholic......(denial?).

 

[Ccomp5950]

Read the E-myth revisited.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

I'm kind of the same way as far as vacationing goes. It's like I won't take any time off unless it falls on a holiday and we close up shop. Otherwise I feels like i need to be there. Luckily, my significant other puts up with me and she has her own kind of busy schedule. I found that having hobbies helps. Do something you are interested in besides your work. I still find time to spend 3 hours a day, 4-5 days a week in the weight room. She joins me most nights at the gym. Shes a good spotter for when I'm going heavy on the weight. Other than that there are household projects and COD Black Ops takes up a some time at night before bed and a good amount of time on the weekends.

 

[DCGPX]

Here's my advice :

Make time for yourself away from work!

Even more so if your getting married, my wife puts up with my work hours but I still make time for family

You need to do same - no two ways about it or you'll be divorced before long, your clients wont stop functioning whilst you take some time out!!


www.tornadopc.com

 

[911cri]

Thanks Ccomp5950

I actually had that book on my wishlist with Half.com, it's no longer on the list...Thanks for that reply, prompted me to actually purchase it today.

 

[PC-MOT]

Ha ha, my advice is keep going, if your wife (to be) knows you, then she will be happy for you, if your happy as a person working then this will reflect in your home life too I would think.
I got married last year and we just had our first baby, this will slow your work pace down ( in a fantastic way) so make hay while you can.

good luck for your wedding

Dan

 

[JJDUB1313]

I think all of us that are successful at the PC Tech business have your same standards of working. We are there when our customers need us and deliver the service they demand when in-time. Having done this for over 15+ years and now that I am getting a little older (40) I can advise you need to take the breaks for both your business and your family. Balance is the key to continued success.

Some things you can do to help:
1. Find yourself a mission with a goal that is fun. I am a big Penn State fan so I have started following them on the road and am trying to visit all the Big Ten stadiums they play at. Gets me away from the business with friends.
2. Schedule "appointments" with your wife (and kids to come?) that are fun and spontaneous. I surprise my daughter with lunch at her elementary school or take my wife out for afternoon dates. They both dig it and so do I.
3. Do something no business related with your premium clients... concert, golf, etc. Whatever you like. Keeps the relationship going and your kind of still working......

 

[callthatgirl]

Does anyone have suggestions on how to separate work from home life?

Read the E-myth revisited.
+1

 

[PR Tech]

Ditto on E-myth revisited.

Also having kiddos with absolutely change how you chose to spend some of your time. Last night my son wanted to explain to me how he built his Bionicles creatures. I spend 1/2 hour on the floor just listening to him talk about how much he loved his creations and how he went about making them. It was a great 1/2 hour for sure. Being a good business owner and keeping clients happy is of utmost importance. But customers will come and go. Family will not.

 

[JJDUB1313]

Ditto on E-myth revisited.

Also having kiddos with absolutely change how you chose to spend some of your time. Last night my son wanted to explain to me how he built his Bionicles creatures. I spend 1/2 hour on the floor just listening to him talk about how much he loved his creations and how he went about making them. It was a great 1/2 hour for sure. Being a good business owner and keeping clients happy is of utmost importance. But customers will come and go. Family will not.

I have not read the e-Myth either. I will have to check that out and get it on my list as well. I also +1 your comments on children. They do change everything as you mention. Family first, work....

John

 

[911cri]

I want to thank everyone for thier suggestions

and input. My Emyth came in today, reading it now. Thanks again and thank you TN

 

[FoolishTech]

My main issue is that this is all great, if I'm single!
P.S. I am not a workaholic......(denial?).

I could fill up this board with a long story of what my work addiction did to my marriage, but to keep it simple: Don't give your wife the opportunity to complicate your work day with home stuff (for me, working out of home gave her that opportunity.) This only gives you the chance to ignore that home stuff, and your wife, in order to get your work done - but you can NEVER, EVER, ignore your wife in favor of your work, else you won't be so happily married... You may want to seriously think about getting an office space somewhere first, and second start learning to leave work at work.

I think the other secret to a happy marriage is probably having a bachelor pad. (an even longer story I'll keep even more short, but now I work a job in another city, and rather than commute I have a bachelor pad for the weekdays - now we really do have a happy marriage!)

 

[andcorptech]

I was lucky to have married a woman just as techy as me so she usually understands when my work and home life crosses. However more recently "I" am the one who has the issue. I want to spend quality time with my kids and wife , and not talking to them over the lid of a laptop. So i have started to just make time. Simple as that. Start saying NO to the "must have it by the morning" jobs. When challenged I explain i would like to spend time with my family and most are fine, those that arent just need to get over it. Whats the point of working all day to come home to nothing ?

 

[Benchtech]

I'm setting up the new cloud database systems for onsite, rather than repair (I'll miss it so)

Have you listened to Podnutz pro podcast about cloud servers setups and their downfalls should internet/intranet go down lose connection...?

All work, and no play makes a dull boy....=)

 

[JJDUB1313]

I have not read the e-Myth either. I will have to check that out and get it on my list as well. I also +1 your comments on children. They do change everything as you mention. Family first, work....

John

Just got the e myth revisited on Audible. Should make for a good listen. I appreciate the suggestion.