Many times I have said “I could never start DrivenByQ again”.
The time, effort and sheer physical stamina needed in the early years is
beyond me. I am not old by any means but I have
to face reality. I am no longer in my prime. When you become accustomed to
putting in so much time and effort for a business though, it conditions you to believe
it is the only approach.
Right now I am seeing how strongly I have previously believed
this philosophy. After our latest management meeting and three months of
paternity leave, there was a distinct message coming from my (older) business
partners telling me to ‘slow down’ – “Learn to pace yourself” the era of
working 18 hour days on databases or spreadsheets or accounting systems are over.
It is time to recognise DrivenByQ is no longer a young
business in demand of constant input to keep it developing. Instead it is able to
stand on its own two feet and it has taken the birth of my son to make me see it
- and seven months of him being around to understand what changes I need to
make. On reflection it is time to feel proud of the achievement associated with
owning a thriving business.
Instead of believing hard work is the only way to live, it
is time to relax a little and realise what I originally set out to accomplish
has been achieved. After four months paid paternity leave, I can take time off
when necessary to be with my family, I will never miss a parents evening or
school play and most of all I can be around to spend every possible minute with
something precious.
Finally, the hard work, long hours and years of sacrifice
are paying off.
