Some may think this post is kind of a "downer," but then, life as a small business owner comes with some downers, perhaps none more difficult to endure than when a loved one passes away. When you have a traditional job, you can usually use paid leave to take some time off to tend to your family issue. Your office colleagues willingly cover for you because they know it could be them next time.
But if you're Indie, when a loved on passes, the bottom line is that your business and what must be done to maintain it are never far from your thoughts, even as you grieve. I learned this first hand last year when my father died.
My household is suffering another loss this week, as my husband's 93-year old grandmother died last Wednesday afternoon. When she became gravely ill earlier this month, she summoned her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to her side. My husband was one of dozens who rushed to be with her. What a blessing it was for him to leave immediately, not having to check in with a boss or find co-workers before making plans.
While being Indie gives us the flexibility to come and go in ways we could not do if we had traditional jobs, it's still hard on the business and the family when someone in the family dies. Business meetings must be postponed, projects are pushed back, deadlines may be missed and routines change, which is especially challenging when you have young children as we do.
This week, I pray for those small business owners who are grieving the loss of a loved one. May you have good memories of your time together. May you have a supportive network of friends, neighbors and staff who can maintain your business as you tend to your family obligations during a difficult time.
… and Happy Easter, if like me, you are celebrating! Aren't those bunnies cute!?
"Bear one another's burdens." Galatians 6:2(a)
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