To pursue aspirations in the world of entrepreneurship with family-life as the support system is a common yet unfortunate mistake. Our cerebral pursuits are in service of those we love and care about instead of the other way around. 

In a highly individualistic society, it's also hard to put your foot down and say, "I'm unable to give up on the fundamental experiences of life for ‘you/your company/your business’ to succeed".

My partner was the second-in-command of two startups. It took us over 7 years to demand and receive what our family needed from both of us. The work crushed our souls. Yet I’m relieved to say that other than breastfeeding, my partner does everything that a human being can do to raise a child. And at last, after both of us had endured tough professional lives in the bay area, we also came around to understand that intentions must be set to build a company without ruining everyday life of a family. 

To illustrate, my partner asked if I would support him if he joined a start-up rather than a well established company. I asked him to specifically state what he meant by ‘support’. It led to an argument around how unconditional love is different from laborious, invisible support. I was no longer ready to mix the two and live the same miserable life that we endured for years after childbirth. Yet I was unsure if our marriage would withstand the ‘no’.

To our collective relief, after a couple of days, he said he was going to join the less exciting and more stable company. When I asked what made him decide, he said, “circumstances are circumstances, and one must make decisions taking that into account.” Even I had less clarity than that.

To summarize, it might take days, months, or even years. However, it will be helpful to ask each other necessary questions around family, work, and your individual personalities. 

Also, this book, Unfinished Business, is filled with insights and encourages you to ask difficult questions even if secure answers are far fetched.

I wish you a lot of energy, rest, and buckets of water.