Work/Life balance

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Summer lovin’

If you read this post from a few weeks back, you would know that Justin left his job to start his own business! It’s been over 2 months and those 2 months fell on on then busiest months of our life, so it really hasn’t been until the last week or two that we’ve settled into a new normal.

Before he quit we sat down, looked at a typical work week, and divided up the time to make sure we both got adequate time working and also made sure we both got good time with the kids. I’m so happy that he’s around more to spend time with the boys!

In fact, I’m starting to see Luke prefer Justin especially when we are swimming! I’ll swim over to Luke to just be near him and he’ll say, “Nooo mama!!! No!” Then he’ll usually look around for Justin and beg to be thrown up high in the air. It’s very cute.

I thought it would be a harder transition than it has been to having him home during the week. Again, we’ve only had a few weeks of normal, but it’s been great to have him around more. Our offices are separated so we each have time to be alone and focus on our work, but the flexibility it offers is such a gift.

For example, a few weeks ago David was sick and I didn’t have to find a babysitter to hang with Luke because Justin was home. With no family nearby it’s always a bit of a scramble to find last minute help in a sickness related situation. I, of course, could have brought Luke with to the appointment, but it was nice to be able to just sit with David and really hear what the doctor was saying about how to care for him.

For years now we’ve had a good practice of being very clear with each other about what the next day holds. Usually that just meant the weekend since I knew what his days would look like from Monday-Friday. We’d always have an “expectations” chat on Friday about what each of us wanted to do on the weekend, and we’d talk through how to make it happen.

Like any married couple, there are things that we don’t see eye to eye on but I have to say I’ve always been really happy with our communication skills. And they are only getting better with time.

It’s been great to watch him tread the mysterious waters of owning a business. He’s a hard worker and is methodical and calculated with his actions, so I know he’s giving it his best!

More than anything, I’m so happy that he’s having this chance to do it, and a lot of that has to do with YOU! Thank you for reading this site and commenting and sending me really funny direct messages on Instagram about the random stuff I get into during Insta-stories. You make this what it is, and I’m so thankful to have such great readers.

Curious where I work? Check out my office here and here.

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 08.15.17

Glad you guys finally settled down on a routine that works for you! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Samantha says · 08.15.17

Love these life updates!! So glad you get to have your hubby around more often 😊

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Michele says · 08.15.17

My husband also decided to start his own company right before our second child was born a week ago. He had spent three years in a toxic work environment and with this season of our lives upon us, it seem s like the best decision for his health, our marriage, and our children. However, I struggle with the financial uncertainty of this venture, as well as how our balance will be once I return to teaching in November following my maternity leave. How have you and Justin managed these kinds of concerns? Have there been any obstacles that you didn’t expect? How did you communicate your needs and expectations abou working from home together? I am glad to see someone else having a similar life change right now!

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Kate says · 08.15.17

There is a bit of uncertainty with this change but my consistent income has been a major part of this decision. We are really open to making any changes if things change with us. And so far no obstacles but it’s been a very busy summer. We are not naive to think there won’t be challenges ahead, but for right now we have had pretty smooth sailing.

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Beth Tessier says · 08.15.17

I’m so very happy for you. When my husband sold his small business and was able to land a fabulous job with flexibility and more home time, it was a game changer. I’m thrilled you are experiencing this while your boys are young. God bless you guys ❤️

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Kate says · 08.15.17

That’s great to hear!

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Ashley says · 08.15.17

That’s amazing – communication is so important to making the balance work, especially between the both of you! My husband was let go from his job just 3 months after our wedding, and started a new business for himself almost immediately. The transition was difficult at first, but if theres a game plan and clear expectations it really does help! Best wishes to both of you! <3

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Alyssa says · 08.15.17

So many transitions for your family! I love hearing these stories.

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Melinda says · 08.15.17

I have been reading your blog for years and love it! Glad it gives you the flexibility to be able to have your hubby around more.

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Kate says · 08.15.17

thanks!

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Melissa says · 08.15.17

What do yall do for medical insurance with both being self employed?

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Kate says · 08.15.17

We have health insurance that we bought privately.

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Whitney says · 08.15.17

It is truly very encouraging to hear how you and Justin are working together as a team to try and make sure that both of you are getting everything that you need as well as being able to spend time with your adorable boys! My husband owns his own business as well and we have very quickly figured out that things go so smoothly when we are in constant and open communication about expectations, schedules, finances, and free time! Hoping the very best for you both on this new journey!:)

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Kelly says · 08.15.17

So happy you posted this. I am so happy for you guys. I have loved watching your family grow from two to four. Your little ones make me laugh so much when you post videos about them. They are just too dang cute. You and Justin seem like such a sweet couple. You can tell how much you love each other and your children. Thank you for sharing all of your insights, tips, stories, videos, suggestions, etc. with us. Makes me want to know what is going on with Kate and her boys!!!

Oh and we are going to have BAGELS! That cracked me up so much. Although, not sure if that was funnier than David telling you to get your hair out of the way when he was on the video! Both dang hilarious!

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Kate says · 08.15.17

Thanks so much! I know, David and my dang hair in the way! ; )

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Patricia @Sweet and Strong says · 08.15.17

So important to talk and communicate about that work/life balance. My husband and I don’t even have kids yet, but both work a lot so any spare time we have we enjoy spending it with each other.

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Dana Lindholm says · 08.15.17

Both of you look SO HAPPY & HEALTHY!! Your kids are very lucky to have Mom & Dad at home! Best Wishes on your new adventure Justin!

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Andrea Brookhart says · 08.17.17

Love this post, your blog & content elsewhere in general!! Thanks for all you post & being so relatable.

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SS says · 08.18.17

I have not read your posts on a regular basis and please excuse my question (especially if you have already explained in a prior post) but, what will be/is Justin’s business venture?

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