Small Business Life: The Moments That Make It All Worthwhile

Reflections on 18 Years of Self-Employment, Juggling Life, and Redefining Success

Eighteen years. That’s how long it’s been since I decided to step out of corporate life and build something of my own.

Like many who make the leap, I was chasing creative freedom, flexibility, and the chance to design a life that worked around my family — not the other way around. My husband and I wanted to start a family, and at the time, there wasn’t much financial support or flexibility for working parents. Running my own business felt like the answer.

I imagined a future where I worked from home doing projects I loved, earned more money, had Fridays off, walked most days, cooked healthy meals, and did every school run like a superstar mum. Sounds dreamy, right?

The reality looked a bit different.

There were weeks when I didn’t see a proper break in over 20 days, when washing my hair felt like an achievement, and when dinner was a Macca’s drive-thru because I was still glued to my laptop at 8pm.

I was that parent at school assemblies answering emails on my phone, joining Zoom calls on mute during playdates, and yes — I’ve had my share of ugly cries locked in the bathroom, wondering if I’d made all the wrong choices.

But this morning, as I watched my 15-year-old son check in for a school trip to China — calm, confident, excited — I had one of those moments.

Because this independence, curiosity and courage he’s showing? That comes from what he’s seen at home. From parents who both work hard and value experience. From watching us navigate uncertainty, adapt, and still make space for family adventures.

It reminded me that this business wasn’t just built for flexibility — it’s been part of shaping who he’s becoming.

That moment — that quiet pride — is why so many of us start small businesses in the first place.

The juggle is real, the challenges are relentless, and the version of “balance” we imagined rarely matches reality. But the rewards - the moments where you see what all those late nights, tough calls and tears have led to — are absolutely priceless. 💙

Running your own business isn’t always idyllic, but it can create a life filled with meaning, memories, and freedom on your own terms. And sometimes, that’s the ultimate success.

Find Your Balance Between Visibility and Freedom

If you’re building a business designed to give you more freedom and flexibility, but find yourself stuck in the juggle — let’s have a chat. I love helping other service-based business owners get seen, grow sustainably, and make all those hard-earned moments count.

About The Author

Karen Moloney is on a mission to help brilliant business owners ditch the marketing fluff and grow visibility that sticks. Through the Beanstalk Visibility Framework, she creates marketing strategies for small service business owners who want to know where to spend their time and marketing budget for the best ROI. She’s not into choreographed dance videos or sugar hit hacks - just clear, achievable steps to help you be seen by the right people and keep that pipeline full!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn for no-BS marketing strategy and visibility tips.