A Different kind of Thankful ??

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the value of a great business partner and how it compares to having a boss. This change from being managed to working alongside someone as a partner has shifted everything. Instead of a forced relationship, there’s a choice to work together — and that choice brings mutual respect. It's in the humor that carries us through the day, the thoughtfulness to ask about each other’s lives outside of work, and the strange feeling of being “lost” after just a couple of days without checking in.

Having a business partner brings a mix of collaboration and accountability. It’s like having someone equally invested in making things work, both financially and creatively. When you're in this kind of partnership, there truly are no dumb questions, especially since we're figuring things out as we go. We have the autonomy to be ourselves, the respect to support each other's needs, and the freedom to think outside the box without the weight of traditional employment structures holding us back.

For me, this partnership means being free from the pressures that once felt so constant. When my kids are sick for weeks on end, I don’t have to worry about someone doubting my sincerity. Life is full of unexpected moments, especially with multiple responsibilities, and it’s unbelievably refreshing to know I don’t have to apologize for prioritizing my family.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we aren’t committed. We’re constantly working whenever we’re not busy with family, each taking care of our own, but always syncing up on what needs to get done next. Daily check-ins not only keep us accountable but also help establish healthy routines. With both of us balancing active lives, children, husbands, and personal interests, it’s essential to create boundaries that allow us to be effective at work and present in life. As a wife and mother, I sometimes feel like my responsibilities never end, and I know my partner feels the same. Knowing she truly understands makes all the difference.

Accountability is a huge part of what makes this work. In a traditional job, I sometimes felt like I was perpetually falling short, like I was always a step behind. But now, having a partner who respects my boundaries and my life outside of work has changed everything. Setting my own boundaries — and sticking to them — has set a new standard for how I want others to treat me in life. Healthy boundaries lead to healthy habits and, ultimately, happy people.

For anyone considering independent work but feeling hesitant about doing it alone, I highly recommend finding a trusted partner. Having someone to check in with not only brings clarity and structure but also provides that much-needed “partner in crime.” They can lift you out of a rut, bring a sense of normalcy, and keep you moving forward, even when things get tough.

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful not just for my husband, children, family, and friends, but especially for my business partner, B. Our small business will succeed because we share the drive, the determination, and the understanding that life is short and priorities shift with age. It’s empowering to feel heard, to know that no idea is too out there, and to simply be myself. Maybe everyone deserves this kind of experience with a partner or employer, but I’ve only found it in the world of independent work.

So this Thanksgiving, I hope we can all take a moment to be thankful for those special partners who help us thrive. They keep us grounded, motivated, and moving forward — even when we feel like we’re about to drop.

What are you most grateful for in your career this year?

Simply,

Meghan