Hiring My Husband at My Business: How We Navigate Work and Marriage

My experience in various public relations roles eventually led me to establish my own company, Press for Success, a public relations platform and community, back in 2017. My partner Alex, meanwhile, has been immersed in the media industry since he was just 18.

Our paths crossed in 2012 under an amusing circumstance: I was dodging a rainstorm in New York City and sought refuge in a restaurant. In a twist of fate reminiscent of a romantic comedy, Alex entered through another door. I had planned to enjoy a book with a glass of wine, but his presence turned a quiet evening into a lively conversation. Since then, we've seldom stopped talking.

It wasn't until we made our relationship 'Facebook official' that we noticed a curious fact—we shared 200 mutual friends but had never encountered each other. Despite his impressive media background, bringing Alex into my company was something I had never foreseen. Nevertheless, today, he wears the dual hats of husband and employee.

Alex witnessed the inception of Press for Success firsthand; he even coined the name when we were just married.

Around a year prior to the global pandemic, he made the decision to leave his traditional media job and delve into consulting in the same field.

When COVID-19 emerged, our daughter was still very young. I was determined not to abandon my career, even though many mothers around me felt compelled to do so.

In a consequential decision, Alex chose to step away from his job and embrace the role of our daughter's primary caregiver, enabling me to concentrate on expanding my business. This change in July 2020 saw us sacrifice 60% of our household income as I returned full throttle to my enterprise after easing off to manage new motherhood.

To compensate for the lost income, I committed myself completely to my work schedule and, eventually, my efforts paid off.

As time passed, Alex proposed a shift—either return to New York City for him to resume consulting or explore a new path. This contemplation prompted me to consider bringing him onboard as our VP of strategic partnerships and collaborations.

It wasn't simply because of our personal relationship that I thought of involving him. Alex expertly matched the skill set my business required, with his background in media and his ability to engage and motivate audiences. We chose to consider this endeavor experimentally.

Alex joined our intimate team, accepting a slight deduction in pay. However, we viewed this decision as a long-term investment poised for greater returns.

To ensure the right approach, we consulted a therapist. The advice was to give ourselves a trial period of six months to assess if things felt right; if not, we could part from this arrangement without considering it a relationship failure.

The strategy proved effective. Naturally, there are moments of tension or hurt, but we prioritize moving forward without harboring grudges.

Adjusting to New Roles

In jest, I used to say, "We work together," to which Alex would correct, "I work for you." I found it charming. He has witnessed my endeavors over the years and holds my achievements in high regard.

Compartmentalizing our work from personal life brings coherence. We can dispute ideas at work but seamlessly transition to a BBQ where I am fully immersed as a spouse and mother.

Each morning, both Alex and I take our daughter to school. En route, we enthusiastically sing along to Kidz Bop tracks. The moment it’s just us in the car, conversations pivot to potential workshops and the challenges our members face.

Maintaining Professional and Personal Spaces

Initially, sharing workspaces was our plan, but my interruptions became a distraction. Opting for separate work environments has rekindled a sense of mystery and longing.

Our work also naturally diverges: Alex focuses on forming partnerships, whereas I helm community leadership and orchestrate events.

While engaging in solo ventures, I needed to release a degree of ego—questioning whether I would be perceived differently when sharing the spotlight with Alex. Contrary to my fears, his involvement brought him alive, and others responded positively.

The only rule? No terms of endearment like 'darling' during our live sessions!

Keeping Romance Alive

Initially, whenever my parents watched our daughter, Alex and I would wind up working through our designated date nights. This deterrence from romance prompted us to reinstate regular, enjoyable outings together.

Running a business effectively can be akin to therapy, much like marriage. Despite warnings about mixing work with personal life, this arrangement empowers us to shape our family's future.

Alex's involvement has positively impacted the company, culminating in growth across various fronts, inclusive of profits. What began as a simple online course has now blossomed into a vibrant membership community, equipped with an innovative platform, a mobile application, and a feature for immediate text notifications.

Ultimately, the ability to engage in a fulfilling career with the person I love, towards a shared purpose, is infinitely rewarding.