The Art of Working Holidays: How to Balance Family Time and Business Goals

It might sound controversial to some, but for many entrepreneurs like me, working holidays are not just a preference—they’re a way of life. At this stage of my business journey, I unapologetically embrace the concept of blending work with family time, and I believe it’s a powerful approach that deserves more recognition. In the last two weeks, I’ve spent quality time with my children, nephews, and nieces, while keeping up with work, and surprisingly, we managed to achieve a few new milestones in August. Here’s how I balanced both worlds and why I believe working holidays can be beneficial for entrepreneurs.

1. Embracing Flexibility

One of the greatest advantages of being an entrepreneur is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional jobs that require you to clock in and out at set times, running your own business gives you the freedom to design your schedule. Working holidays allow you to be present with your family without completely stepping away from your professional responsibilities. This flexibility is invaluable, especially when it comes to spending precious moments with your loved ones.

During the past couple of weeks, I took my work on the go. Whether it was responding to emails while the kids played at the park or joining virtual meetings from the comfort of a vacation home, I found ways to stay connected with my business. The key is to find a rhythm that works for you—one that allows you to be both productive and present.

2. Setting Clear Boundaries

While flexibility is a wonderful perk, it’s essential to set clear boundaries to ensure that neither work nor family time suffers. For me, this meant designating specific hours of the day for work and being fully committed to family activities during the remaining time. By clearly communicating my availability to both my team and my family, I was able to manage expectations and maintain a healthy balance.

I also made it a point to avoid distractions during dedicated family moments. This meant turning off notifications, putting my phone on silent, and truly immersing myself in the experiences with my children, nephews, and nieces. On the flip side, during work hours, I focused on my tasks, making sure to optimize my productivity so that I could wrap up quickly and get back to enjoying the holiday.

3. Leveraging Technology

Technology has made working holidays more feasible than ever. With laptops, smartphones, and cloud-based tools, staying connected to your business while on the go is simpler than it sounds. I utilized various apps and platforms to keep track of projects, communicate with my team, and manage my workload efficiently.

Video conferencing tools allowed me to join meetings and stay engaged with ongoing projects, while project management software helped me keep track of deadlines and deliverables. By leveraging technology, I was able to maintain the momentum of my business without being tethered to a physical office.

4. Focusing on Priorities

During working holidays, it’s crucial to focus on what truly matters. Rather than trying to accomplish everything, I zeroed in on the tasks and goals that were most critical for the business. This meant prioritizing high-impact activities and delegating or deferring less urgent tasks.

By narrowing my focus, I was able to make meaningful progress without overwhelming myself. It’s all about working smarter, not harder—making the most of the time you have by concentrating on what will move the needle for your business.

5. Embracing the Joy of Both Worlds

The beauty of working holidays is that you don’t have to choose between professional success and personal fulfillment. You can have both. Spending time with family while continuing to work on your business allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s about finding harmony, not perfection.

For me, the past two weeks were a reminder that success isn’t just about business milestones—it’s also about creating memories with the people who matter most. Working holidays may not be for everyone, but for entrepreneurs who thrive on flexibility and value family time, they offer a unique and rewarding approach to balancing work and life.

Conclusion

Working holidays might sound unconventional, but for entrepreneurs like me, they are an empowering choice. They provide the flexibility to manage both business and family commitments without compromise. By embracing flexibility, setting clear boundaries, leveraging technology, focusing on priorities, and cherishing the joy of both worlds, working holidays can be a practical and fulfilling option for achieving balance. As an entrepreneur, I am unapologetic about promoting this approach because, at the end of the day, it’s about making life work for you.

Tony Tiyou?is the founder and CEO of?Renewables in Africa (RiA)?is a Clean Energy Company raising Awareness about Renewable Energy in Africa and across the globe.

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