How's it working for you (both)?

The problem occasionally is now that I'm home abit more often because I'm looking for work. Hence, more interuptions occasionally from me while he has to concentrate on work related stuff to his consulting biz. He was retired for about 5 years then started up his biz 2yrs. ago.

When I was working, of course, I wasn't around. When he isn't running his biz, he was/still is cycling, doing volunteer work and yes, he did do more housework. He still does it, just not as prompt. That's ok.

So no he it's not as if he's around the house, not knowing what to do.

My dh, being "retired" nine years now helps me run our soap business. He's GREAT at it.....the world's best marketer. However.........he has this thing about needing to manage me in my life/home/kitchen etc. Like which pot/pan to use while cooking; what/how to say things to customers; blah, blah blah.

FRUSTRATING! Sharing the same kitchen is NOT fun. Poor guy...he thought he married a cook and he married a baker. Having never had the need to cook for a "family" I never got into it. yeah, I cook italian.....that's about it. Whatever I watched Mom cook the first 18 years of my life.

So.......it def. has its challenges!

Right now he's cooking dinner...escargots with mushrooms, garlic and onions over noodles. It will be nice. We're pretty loose..whoever feels like preparing a dish or whole meal. No predetermined schedule several days in advance except for special meals like Christmas, etc.

No, we don't run over each other much. He does get frustrated with my messier habits..part of it is due to our small home/lack of space. Of course now running a biz, means more stuff for necessary paperwork, etc.

Does he cook at all? Let him do his thing for awhile and walk away.

By the way, I think it's great your hubby is enthusiastic to help you with your biz.

My partner does a certain amount of networking, business meetings, etc. some it for his biz, some of it purely volunteer. What he does solicit from me actively is my opinion from the perspective of women who cycle ...and certain word phrasings for his reports.

He offers the reverse when I ask him..stuff related management, negotiation, etc. These are areas he does have genuine business acumen. Retirement has not dullened him in these areas because even for volunteer work it's useful stuff to have when meeting with politicians, business owners, etc. Cycling isn't just hopping on the bike..it can also include building partnerships and alliances with other groups ..to get to lead a more healthy lifestyle (and have cleaner air).

orchid, since his business is growing, do you think there could be a place for you within?

His biz still remains small and modest at this time. So he can't afford to "pay" me directly. So whatever I do, is out of love right now. And realistically, to keep certain skills sharp..ie. business analysis, business visioning, research (more the hard core stuff that is not easily accessible nor obvious to googlers), etc.

It's not that simple since he has 2 other biz partners. They are guys. Yea,..you got it. And I was never (and didn't want to be) in beginning to start up the biz.

Dearie is the prez. So whatever I do and offer, is almost like walking on eggshells even if dearie thinks my idea is a great idea. It ain't that simple. Hmmmm, let's see I politely suggested to 1 biz partner to correct an error on their biz website. And my dearie has also reminded this chap (initially many weeks before me). It's been 2 months. Not done yet. Really the correction only requires 15 min. of time. Dearie insists he correct because it's his bio on the Internet. Groan.

Anyway, I can't rely completely on dearie to become part of his biz. My voice might get too muffled. Not exactly my style. I do inherently like his biz and his biz's philosophy/mandate so it does make it easier for me to help out in bits.

For now, we're testing where I could help, yet still keep certain skills of mine, active/fresh.