My husband and I are non-traditional. We decided this today. I'm not talking the kind of non-traditional where we've decided to refer to each other as "domestic partners" or anything. I'm talking about our lifestyle in general.
We're both entrepreneurs - and I seem to fit into that mold of the "mompreneur" that we're hearing so much about these days. But behind many great mompreneurs, there are great, non-traditional men. The kind of guys who will juggle their schedule to accomodate you, cook dinners, fold laundry, run carpools, grocery shop, and tidy the house. It seems that many men tend to view this type of guy as a Mr.Mom of sorts. But we tend to view things as a partnership at our house. He's a dad. It's all about Give and Take.
But there are times that I can't help but feel guilty. I'm a woman. I can't help it. I fight it - but sometimes it wins. I feel guilty for making him give so much. Luckily he reminds me that I give too and that our family is a partnership - which means that I don't have to do absolutely everything.
We literally sit down on Sundays and mesh our schedules together so that each of us can fit in the appointments and tasks that we need to for the week. We juggle our schedules in a way that means that our kids are for the most part with one of us and we try to schedule our time so that we do as much as we can together.
And I won't lie, there are days when I wish that all I had to worry about was pre-school registration next year. There are days when I wonder if my husband is getting the respect that he deserves for putting himself on the line for what I do. But for the most part, I'm amazed to sit back in awe at the amazing opportunity I have to be engaged and passionate about my business in a way that feeds me - and my family.
Another great post! As a "non-traditional" husband I have greatly enjoyed my wife starting her own business. Having been involved in numerous startups myself it has been very interesting watching another new venture from a different perspective.
My wife is a LCSW and is starting her own practice. She set March 1st (today) as the day to get everything in order and ready to run. As a result, we have had a very hectic few weeks...no dog show and no formula but we did have an Aunt bring her two kids for a few days last week. (There is more posted on my blog if you want to read about this specific incident.)
As the non-preneur on this very rare occasion, I just need to say that it is an absolute pleasure to watch my wife succeed tremendously in her new endeavor. Any sacrifice required to make it happen pales in comparison when I am able to watch my very best friend succeed in such a meaningful way.
If your husband gets half as much satisfaction out of watching your success as I do with my wife, I'm sure he feels the same way.
Posted by: Brian | March 01, 2007 at 08:53 AM