I might be going out on a limb here, but it seems that almost everyone has an opinion about “mixing business and pleasure” so here’s mine:
I think it’s just fine, however, here’s the caveat, you have to be smart about it!
To start, why does there have to be such a great disconnect about the two. Work – life balance? Hah! Work – life integration is more like it.
I love my family, friends, and my life with all my heart and soul. I also love my business and am passionate about the work I do, my clients, colleagues, and my Allstate community.
There is ROOM FOR BOTH! Work – life integration takes planning and persistence but is so worth the effort.
For instance:
Take your kids on a business trip but arrange for the appropriate childcare when you have meetings and professional responsibilities to attend to.
Go on vacation but save a small part of each day to catch up on emails and work-related issues. (I know there are folks that totally unplug and that’s great too. DO WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR BUSINESS!)
You may not get it right the first time you try to marry both, but don’t let that be a deterrent.
Keep at it and you’ll find that the payback is well worth the effort.