I provide the income while my husband get's his carpet cleaning business off the ground.?

Question

We can live off of my income, but sometimes I feel like I'm being taken for granted. I know it takes a long time getting a business established sometimes (It's been 6 mo. so far). Should I set a deadline for financial support to his dream? If so, how do I break it to him gently? If not, should I continue to foot almost all the bills indefinitely?

Answer 1

From experience. A carpet cleaning business is hard to get off the ground. I tried one but until I diversified into other areas of home improvement (electrical,painting,plumbing, carpet and upholstery claening) did it take off. People like a small business that offers a can-do-it-all service instead ofgetting severalpersons to do what needs to be done. By itslef, carpet cleaning was a disaster for me but once I diversified and added the other services, I continue to have more business than I can handle and keeps growing. Get a base group of about 15 to 25 steady customers and the rest will take care of itself. But unless he diversifies, you may be paying the bills for quite some time. He can always partner up with someone who knows the trades to get started and you may be able to help too. I started mine about 35 years ago and now Im wanted world wide to work on houses. Good luck

Answer 2

I think that it's admirable of you to be willing to do that.. (Whether it be wife doing it for husband or husband doing it for wife, it's nice to see)..

You mentioned that you feel like you're being taken for granted though.. That makes me wonder if he is putting his "all" into the business then.. I'm guessing that he isn't because if you saw him working hard, but just not quite yet bringing in the money, etc.. you probably would never have questioned it.. It's the fact that you brought this up that makes me think that maybe there are times that you think that he's happy to let you do your work while he's not trying 100% ??

Personally, I think that when a couple is married.. the two "become one".. so.. I don't look at it as you providing "financial support to his dream".. because in a sense you are no longer two separate people in the situation.. you are ONE married couple.. if that make sense?

I think though.. that it would be better to think of it more along the lines of saying "I don't think WE can afford to keep doing this dear".. or "It seems WE are spending too much on the business and it's not bringing anything in".. That way it doesn't sound like you are just an "investor" in him.. and not part of him.. If that makes sense to you?

I think you two should sit down.. look at how the business has been doing.. look to see if there is something that can be done to change it for the better.. and give it a bit more chance.. but even make the suggestion now that you think that maybe it's not "taking off" like it should..

Just a thought.. :)

Answer 3

get him to help set a time line.


if he isnt making money (6 more month ) after one year, 18 month etc- he will get a 2nd job to help pay. If x doesnt happen within two years- he will sell off the business or something and get another job. See if he is willing to add other things to the job. Try to make contacts with an apartment complex or someplace that needs to clean and install lots of carpets. See what he is willing to do to make it successful. Will he work with carpet installers to make extra contacts and other experience? Work two days a week at Home Depot to try to drum up business?
Find a high school kid to make him a website to get some real business? Has the business plan been though out and how much financial strain can the two of you handle?

You have to make decisions together- but you are now the breadwinner, you have a little leverage. Its tough for two on a teacher salary- but if you dont have kids then this business is your baby for now.

Answer 4

Marriage comes with its stresses, starting a business adds to that stress, marriage means you support each other through the ups and the downs, if you are not willing to continue your support of your husband you should talk to him.

If you are willing then you should talk about goals for what you are trying to accomplish. Get involved as much as you can in the business ( at least know whats going on) so you develop confidence in the plan, if you see him slackin' the you would be right to encourage him to get it together or get a job, in a loving way.

Answer 5

you are a good woman with a lot up top brain i mean before commenting have a good look at who your competes are what they are offering how many are there in the area it can take up to 3 years to brake into any business if there is going to be a short fall of money i would say something then only when you have done your research

Answer 6

Starting a business is really hard. If you see that he really isn't putting in his all to get it going...put your foot down sooner than later. Giving a time line seems like a reasonable thing to do. If it continues, you may really resent him for taking advantage of you.

Answer 7

BE PATIENT!
Businesses don't get off the ground until the first year, especially a carpet cleaning business.
Repeat customers and word of mouth is HUGE!!!

Answer 8

I kind of thought that a couple works together for the common good of the family. If the business isn't working then as a couple you have to make decisions about the direction.

Answer 9

Don't be stupid...and don't make that mistake...
Set up a plan....give him a deadline and record every disbursements you are making on his behalf.....If the business starts out well, ask to be a co-owner or ask for some shares....... If it doesn't work out well, ask for reimbursement....

The best thing is to talk to him so that he knows how you feel, what you thing....dialogue is the key........Good luck

Answer 10

If you two aren't living off your income what were you planning to do with the money anyway?