How to Handle Work and Dating when You're a Self-Employed Workaholic

Those that are self-employed are often workaholics. It's partially due to the fact that many self-employed people are emotionally invested in theirs jobs because they actually love what they do. Also, having the responsibility of being your own boss means you get back what you put in - when you're not working you're likely not earning money. Some also unintentionally work at inopportune times, like when they're trying to sleep or when they're watching a movie- the mind continues to generate ideas and methods that can be useful for the business but slightly negative for other areas in life.

Self-employed workaholics can face some unique challenges when it comes to dating. There needs to be a careful balance to make sure you're leaving enough time for both work and dating, but it's not always so simple. Some tips can help you handle the two so you have an equally fulfilling work and love life.

Set New Deadlines for Yourself

If you want to go out on Friday night but you know you have work that needs to be finished by Saturday, set your deadline for Friday morning. This will prevent you from running late for your date and rushing through the date so you can get back home and get your work done. When you're on a date, you should focus on enjoying yourself, not panicking over work.

Jot Down Ideas Discreetly While You're Out

Obviously throwing a notebook onto the table at a restaurant and writing down a marketing strategy you just thought up wouldn't go over very well with your date. Unfortunately, ideas can sometimes eat away at you until you write them down. One method is to carry a small notebook and pen with you at all times and another is to text your ideas to yourself so you can write them down later. Make sure to do it when it's not considered rude to do so - like when you're getting ready to order food.

Explain Your Schedule to Those You're Dating

Some that aren't self-employed workaholics may have the wrong impression of what comes with the position, which means you might have to do some explaining. There are those that think being self-employed means that you have free-reign to do what you want when you want to, including taking phone calls and going out for dates. Incorporate information about your schedule into the conversation when it happens to come come up. For example, if someone asks you on Wednesday lunch date but you know it would disrupt your routine, simply explain how you prefer to go out on on weeknights or weekends when you have more time to devote to going out and that you usually save weekdays for work.

Never Date Someone That Doesn't Support Your Job

If someone you're dating gives you a problem about your work schedule, tries to interfere with it or acts like your job isn't as important as theirs because they work set hours and you make your own schedule, try explaining nicely what it is that your job entails. If the problems persist, consider kicking the person to the curb. The person you're dating should support and encourage you and what you do, not constantly try to disrupt your schedule or make you feel like your job isn't relevant.

Make Time For Dating

It can be difficult to separate yourself from work, but it's important to make time for fun so you develop and cultivate new and current relationships. Whether you're going out with people you're already dating or you're interested in meeting new people, take at least a few hours one or two days a week to focus solely on having fun and not what you can do to improve your business.

As much as you love your job, it's important to make sure you carve out room in your life for business and pleasure without the two being intertwined. Also, allow yourself to actually go out and enjoy yourself without feeling guilty that you're not working. Being a self-employed workaholic may take some maneuvering with your schedule, but it can certainly be worth it in your love life and for your business.