If you are running a business, does that mean your marriage will not work? While having our own business is considered a path of freedom and passion, it affects our relations. As per the data by the London School of Economics, “the diverse range among entrepreneurs is around 72%, quite higher than  the 50%  general popular average.”

There are numerous reasons why entrepreneurs and business owners have a higher risk of divorce. The time commitment and money investment are one major consideration. Business owners often have hectic schedules and stressful work situations with unreliable earnings. They have to work odd hours with a small return in the early days. This badly affects the financial contribution to their married life.  If there are children in the relationship, it is that company that is actually a baby for the business-owning parent. People put in their whole time, skipping vacations and family functions.

An entrepreneur is a highly motivated and creative person who is focused and ready to risk everything for their ideas. Some startup founders have an adrenaline rush from building, business deals, and living on the edge. While these are great qualities for a successful business, they may lead the company to grow, but that kind of dedication can cause marital strife. In such situations, entrepreneurs’ partners feel about the company as they would about an affair. They feel unwanted and jealous. Also, financial issues are a major factor; establishing a new business requires solid financial investment.

All of these are the primary reasons why entrepreneurs have a high divorce rate, although everyone’s situation is unique. If an entrepreneur goes for a divorce, the business can be vulnerable during the process. If someone invests marital income in their business, then the company could be partially marital property.

They might have to report their company’s value to the courts. Besides, with divorce, not only does a relationship between two individuals end, but also the companies that the couple started together.

Entrepreneurs need to be aware of all the available options during a split. Their first approach should be to avoid such situations. To protect their families and their companies, they should first acknowledge the pressures around them and then build support structures to tackle the situation.

Here are the four key strategies busy entrepreneurs should follow to avoid divorce:

Ensure you are ready

To ensure a stable marriage relationship, entrepreneurs should marry only when they are sure what they want in a partner. Entering into a marriage while still looking for different aspects and partnership preferences can lead to disastrous partnerships. Do not rush; focus on self-reflection before committing.

Treat marriage as a business

When someone decides to start a business, he keeps a fixed mindset by setting goals, managing resources, measuring performance, and making changes. Consider applying the same approach to marriage, and you can have a solid partnership with your business acumen. As a company needs communication and collaboration in a team, a marriage runs on mutual understanding and shared responsibilities. Discuss goals, duties, and problems with partner. Effective delegation leads to success in business; in the same way, give roles to other members of the family, acknowledging their interests and qualities.

Get a focal point

When entrepreneurs start their journey, they are driven by the pursuit of wealth. But they should maintain perspective and understand that wealth should come after family in the priority list. Entrepreneurs should acknowledge the importance of family, recognize the positive part of family life, and stay available for strong family relationships during their busy routine.

Don’t lose hope

Challenges are a part of the journey. Try to handle every difficult situation with resilience and a commitment to solving issues in the marriage. Family counseling is an effective way to address personal issues and get the right resolution. It also provides support for resolving conflicts and addressing disagreements without escalation.

These were a few strategies to maintain a thriving relationship while running your business. No doubt, long work hours, always-on hustle mode, and a lot of stress led to a lack of emotional connection required for a happy married life, but with the right steps, you can prevent this situation. Make sure you approach marriage with the same strategy and energy as you used to build a business with consistent time and attention.  Always remember, “actual success is measured by the strength of the relationship you build, not by the achievements you make in your business.”,