Should couples be business partners?
They say that you should never mix business with pleasure as it is a sure way to poison the romance. But they also say that two heads are better than one, and who better to help you build a business, for example, than the one you’ve pledged your life to?
We asked several women who are/were in business with their partners to share whether it’s a good idea for couples to be business partners.
Janice:
My husband and I have been business partners since college and we still are. We simply separate our love life from work life. We both take courses that assist us with handling both our marriage and our business. It is possible, couples just have to invest in knowledge and be willing to work on principles to keep business from mixing in with their romance.
Kim:
I do not think it is a wise idea. Couples often think it is best to build an empire together and it sounds lovely, but once money is in the middle of anything, it can stab you deeper than a surgical knife. Based on my experience where my ex-husband slept with all the female staff and drank out all the profit, I would tell every single woman thinking about going into business with their men to think twice before you invest because you could be making the worst decision of your life.
BH:
It is a bad idea. Not only it is a sure way to end that relationship, it is a sure way to lose money. I am tired of seeing couples go into business and the man turns around and betrays the woman and leaves with everything. I had several cabs on the road with my ex and he ensured to collect the money every week from the drivers and then would tell me every single week how slow business was. He took the money and spent it on other women. Ladies, think twice, then twice again.
CM:
I see nothing wrong with it. I have tried it and so far, so good. We not only own one restaurant, but several across the island. I think because of our chemistry, we are able to make powerful business moves. I say once you and the person have an amazing chemistry and relationship, go for it.
LY:
No, it is a bad idea and I do agree based on my experience that once romance and money are mixed, it is a sure recipe for disaster.
