As a passionate young business owner, achieving a balance between work and family can feel like an uphill battle. My enthusiasm for my business is boundless—if left to my own devices, I’d work around the clock. But I’ve learned that relentless work can come at a cost, pulling me away from living life fully.
Balancing business with family is particularly challenging when your work is also your passion. For example, even during personal activities like a canoe trip, my mind wanders to how I could incorporate such experiences into my services. Conversations with my family often revolve around new ideas for my business, making it difficult to steer our discussions towards other topics.
Being in a relationship with an entrepreneur is a unique challenge, as my boyfriend can attest. We've been together for nearly six years, a time during which my career has evolved significantly. Initially, our goals were traditional and straightforward: a house, a family, a successful life. However, as I grew into my role as an entrepreneur, our dreams and priorities shifted. My once-clear routine—studying, working a part-time job, and spending time with Alexis—has been replaced by a whirlwind of emails, messages, and a never-ending to-do list.
Despite the chaos, my partner has been a pillar of support. We've faced difficulties together, from my unpredictable schedule to the sacrifices we both have made. His patience and understanding have been invaluable. While my entrepreneurial lifestyle means he often spends time alone or assists with business tasks, we’ve learned to navigate these challenges and prioritize our relationship.
The impact of entrepreneurship also extends to my family. My parents have been incredibly supportive, often at the expense of spending time with my sisters. This imbalance led to some familial tension and feelings of jealousy. Yet, as my business has become more stable and less reliant on their help, our family dynamics have improved. Now, we focus on supporting each other, particularly with my sister heading off to school, and cherish the time we have together.
Navigating the intersection of business and personal life is undeniably tough, but I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and love from my partner and family. Their patience and understanding help me manage the dual demands of my career and personal life, making it possible to find a semblance of balance.
This summer, I made a conscious effort to blend hard work with quality family time. Check out the highlights of my summer journey below, and join me in celebrating the pursuit of harmony in both business and family life.
Went down south 3 times! Wilderness First Responder recert and picking up a new Esquif Prospecteur. And for White Water Rescue Technician.
Offered two trips to Thunder House.
Went to Glassy Falls two times! (Personal)
Survival activities with Hornepayne School.
Was flown in to Kesagami Lodge to go fix 20 something fiberglass freighters.
Paddled our local white water run here in town a couple of times! Enjoying high water. (Personal)
Offered a tour to Glassy Falls but ouff water was getting low!!!
We went to Fort Albany and Kashechewan by freighter from Constance Lake. (Personal)
I guided a trip on the Black River for Manitouwadge High School. I didn't bring a tent on this trip so I slept under my tarp... really cool experience I had been wanting to do for a long time!
We paddled down the Pagwa river. Beautiful one day trip! (Scouting trip)
Went for a Paddle Canada Moving Water course at MKC!! The paradise for White Water paddler's. So thankful to MHO Adventures for the opportunity to train with your staff!
Went on many seadoo rides during warm days!! (Personal)
School survival activities at Rabbit Lake with Clayton Brown.
A nice canoe trip on the Missinaibi River with the Pomerleau family.
Time spent with my bestfriend. (Personal)
Canoe training with Kaschechewan youth!
A few shuttles to send off paddler's on the Mighty Missinaibi!!!
Family vacation to Makinack Island! (Personal)
We adopted our little Willow!
Went on a backpacking trip with my bestfriend to Pukaskwa National Park. (Personal)
Annual camping long weekend at Big Skunk Lake! (Personal)
Started my canoe camps!
Supported my best friend in her competitions! (Personal)
Backyard projects at the INN!
Two weeks of hiking camps!
Gave a lesson on how to install tents at Chez nous, c'est chez vous!!
We sneaked off to North Dakota for a Zach Bryan concert!!! (Personal)
And this weekend, we are moving my sister to school... Then I have one more canoe trip to guide which I am super excited for!!! Then hunting week!!! And one more canoe training at the end of september on the coast of James Bay!!
Wow!! Looking back at this summer! It's been crazy!!! And I am so so greatful for it!! I think I managed a goof family-business balance this summer!!!
Looking forward to hunting season baby!!!
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