What Happens When We Pay Others To Live Our Lives For Us

The founder of a thriving multi-million dollar tech startup, transformed his life by applying lessons from the book "The Outsourced Self" by Arlie Russell Hochschild.

I recently had dinner with a former client who has mastered the art of outsourcing his business. To keep his name confidential, I’ll call him Jack Henderson.

Jack and I first crossed paths about many years ago when he was just starting his tech startup. Back then, he was the quintessential hustling entrepreneur—burning the candle at both ends, juggling countless tasks, and trying to scale his company single-handedly. Our professional relationship began when he hired me to consult on optimizing his business operations. Little did I know, this partnership would evolve into a journey of transformation for Jack.

In the early days, our focus was on streamlining his workflow and improving productivity. But as I got to know Jack better, it became clear that the real challenge wasn’t just about managing his business more efficiently—it was about managing his life. Jack was constantly stressed, and his work-life balance was virtually non-existent. This realization set the stage for the profound changes that would follow, inspired by the principles of outsourcing .

Jack’s journey from an overwhelmed entrepreneur to a balanced, happy individual is nothing short of inspiring. Let me take you through his story of transformation, where he reclaimed his life by strategically outsourcing tasks and focusing on what truly mattered.

Jack was a successful entrepreneur, the founder of a thriving tech startup that had quickly grown from a garage project to a multi-million dollar enterprise. He was living the dream, or so it seemed. Jack’s days were filled with endless meetings, strategy sessions, and late-night coding marathons. His work was his life, and as his company flourished, his personal life deteriorated. He barely saw his wife, Emily, and missed out on most of his children’s milestones. The stress and exhaustion were taking a toll on his health and happiness.

One evening, after yet another missed family dinner, Emily handed Jack a book she had been reading, "The Outsourced Self" by Arlie Russell Hochschild. “I think you should read this,” she said gently. Jack, desperate for a change but unsure how to reclaim his life, decided to give it a try.

He Discovered a New Approach

As Jack dived into the book, he was struck by Hochschild’s observations on how modern life had transformed intimate aspects into services for hire. He read about dating services, wedding planners, and even wantologists. Initially, the idea of outsourcing personal tasks seemed alien to him. But the more he read, the more he saw parallels with his own life. Hochschild’s insights into the emotional labor market resonated deeply with him.

He Too The First Steps

Jack started small. He hired a personal assistant to handle his schedule and manage his emails. This simple change freed up hours each week, which he dedicated to spending with his family. He then hired a professional organizer to declutter and streamline his home environment, making it a more pleasant and functional space.

Next, he outsourced the household chores. A cleaning service took care of the house, a gardener maintained the yard, and a meal delivery service provided healthy, balanced meals. These changes significantly reduced the daily stressors that had been weighing him down.

Reconnecting with Loved Ones

With more time and mental space, Jack reconnected with Emily and their children. He attended school events, coached his son’s soccer team, and even started a weekly date night with Emily. The changes were remarkable. His relationship with his family improved, and he felt more present and engaged in their lives.

Professional Help for Personal Growth

Inspired by Hochschild’s accounts of wantologists, Jack decided to hire a life coach to help him set personal goals and work towards them. This guidance helped him to prioritize his well-being and personal development, which he had neglected for years.

Creating a Balanced Life

As Jack integrated these changes into his life, he noticed a profound shift in his overall well-being. He was happier, healthier, and more productive at work. His company continued to thrive, but now it did so without consuming his entire existence. He realized that outsourcing wasn’t about shirking responsibilities; it was about finding balance and allowing experts to handle specialized tasks so he could focus on what truly mattered.

A New Advocate

Jack became an advocate for the principles outlined in "The Outsourced Self." He shared his experiences with fellow entrepreneurs and encouraged them to consider how outsourcing could help them reclaim their lives. He hosted workshops and talks, spreading the message that personal fulfillment and professional success were not mutually exclusive.

Through Hochschild’s work, Jack discovered that the personal reality didn’t have to be sacrificed at the altar of success. By strategically outsourcing certain tasks, he reclaimed his life, strengthened his relationships, and found a happiness that had eluded him for years. Jack Henderson’s story became an inspiration, a nudge to the power of balance and the benefits of wisely leveraging the market to live a more fulfilled life.

Future Deals

Of course, we're cooking up a future deal. Jack knows that I run OnSpot , an outsourcing company, and our discussions have been very promising. With his appreciation for the benefits of outsourcing , he sees immense value in forming a strategic partnership with my company. We’re in the final stages of sealing a deal that will not only help streamline his business operations further but also enable him to maintain the balanced lifestyle he’s worked so hard to achieve.

This partnership aims to leverage our expertise in outsourcing to support his company's continued growth while ensuring that Jack and his team can focus on their core competencies. By delegating routine tasks and specialized projects to us, Jack's company can enhance efficiency, innovate faster, and maintain the competitive edge that has made them a market leader.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration. It’s a win-win situation where we combine forces to drive success and sustainability in the tech industry. If you're an entrepreneur looking to reclaim your time and boost your business, consider the transformative power of outsourcing—it’s a game-changer .

I highly recommend every entrepreneur read "The Outsourced Self" and explore how these principles can apply to your own life. By outsourcing the right tasks, you can focus on what truly matters, both personally and professionally. Jack’s experience shows that it's possible to build a successful business without sacrificing your well-being. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a page from Jack's book and consider how strategic outsourcing could transform your life too.