Perks Of Joining the Family Business

For some families, going into the family business is a no-brainer. It's what grandpa did, dad followed suit, and now it's time for the next generation to follow in the footsteps paved before them.

Joining the family business has its attributes whether or not you're gung-ho on the idea. If you're an eager beaver geared up to partner with your relatives in business or you're not quite sure the family business is the right decision for your future, these perks will reaffirm or convince you that joining the family business is a smart choice. Get ready to hum, "We Are Family" on your way to work every day!

Trust

If you can't trust your family, who can you trust? In scenarios where you need someone to give you the no-nonsense low-down on a delicate situation or you need to run an idea past someone who's a straight-shooter, family members are the folks who you can count on.

As per American Express, "Trust is essential in all business, but especially so in a business where trade secrets are make-or-break. There's a very high level of trust among family members and they can talk to each other very freely and openly."

Trust is also of value when it comes to money matters. You can be sure you're being paid fairly and on par with what other family members earned in the role you've taken on. And performance will be truthfully reviewed and discussed with the goal to keep you going strong for yourself and the good of the business.

Tradition

There's something to be said about carrying on a family tradition. Thanksgiving gatherings at Aunt Suzy's and yearly trips to the lake at the state park are lovely and something to remember fondly, but becoming a vital part of a generations' old family business takes tradition to a greater and more powerful level.


Value Walk notes, "By working in the family business and taking it over one day, you have a unique bond with your relatives. It can deepen both your relationships and your roots in your community. You can have a real stake in the company's future, both emotionally and financially. The pride you have in working for a firm founded by your family can be motivating, and, when you have the opportunity to improve that business and make decisions that move it safely into the future, it can be very gratifying."

This feeling of tradition will make every business decision you make all the more important because your family is counting on your strength and solid commitment. It may feel like extra pressure, but it's really a deep-rooted drive to do your very best every day.

Loyalty

Unlike working for a large corporation or some other company which you may not have deep ties to, working for a family business is one of the greatest acts of loyalty you can make, as is the commitment you'll have for the business itself.

"Family-owned businesses are theoretically ideal because family members form a grounded and loyal foundation for the company and because family members will often exhibit more dedication to their common goals. Having a certain level of intimacy among the owners of a business can help bring about familiarity with the company and having family members around provides a built-in support system that should ensure teamwork and solidarity," says Chron Small Business.

Knowing those you work with are willing to go above and beyond to sacrifice for the sake of the family will be motivational and contagious. The commitment is not only to the business, but to the members of the family as well. This type of devotion helps make businesses succeed both monetarily and by achieving a positive reputation among customers, clients, and the community.

Flexibility

Working for a family business can be advantageous when it comes to give and take in the workplace. If you need to work from home, show up a little later than usual, or swap tasks with a peer, families tend to give the OK more readily than other companies might. This can vastly improve your work/life balance as well as your overall workplace satisfaction.

According to Chron Small Business, "Families tend to be more lenient and forgiving when it comes to work schedules, work-related decisions and judgments, and even mistakes." And Vistage adds, "You won't hear, 'Sorry, but that's not in my job description' in a family business. Family members are willing to wear several different hats and to take on tasks outside of their formal jobs in order to ensure the success of the company."

Flexibility also results in a more relaxed work environment leading to less stress and more time for creative thinking and collaboration. What else could be more valuable towards taking a business to new heights?


You can be part of the family business with pride and productivity. Your fierce commitment and solidarity with your co-workers will reassure you that working for the family business is a smart and satisfying choice.

Related Articles Around the Web
PayPath
Follow Us on

Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

Afghan women

NBC

Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

Related Articles Around the Web
charity

How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

via Tiffany & Co.

When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

Keep reading Show less
cleo

How to Save Money on a Road Trip

Stacker

Stacker.com

Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

Camping camping road tripConde Nast Traveler

If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

Road Trip Road TripThe Orange Backpack


5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

From Your Site Articles
road trip