WITH thousands of businesses expected to collapse this year, and thousands more under pressure, is life-work balance possible for business owners?
Most research on life-work balance focuses on employees—but what about business owners? This question is at the heart of the newnorma.com study of women entrepreneurs and business owners.
The two women behind the project, Valerie McDougall and Jayne Jennings, are experienced life-work jugglers. They believe more women than ever will start their own businesses this year as the economy tightens and jobs disappear.
“These women will be dreaming big yet still taking the major load in the home and many have responsibility for elders as well as children,” says McDougall.
“Women have told us it’s just not possible to be an entrepreneur and have time for anything else. Others are taking a ‘slow route’ by sacrificing growth for balance.
“Women already account for more than one-third of Australia’s small business operators. And a major driver for many women choosing entrepreneurship over employment is the ability to balance work and family commitments. But how will they do it?
“We see a real need to share information on how other women grow their businesses and still have a life,” says McDougall.
“To do this, we have set up a confidential survey at www.newnorma.com and encourage all women business owners to give us a few minutes of their time. The analysed results will be shared as a ‘best practice’ guide for women business owners and entrepreneurs.
“Some people flippantly say ‘get a life’ and we know from conversations with many women that they are trying hard to do just that plus run a successful business.”
As an incentive, women are able to win a diamond ring. The draw closes on May 1. More info at: www.newnorma.com.
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