What are 6 disadvantages of working for your parents?
From the moment you were born, you have been on a career path. Now that you've graduated from college and received your degree, the time has come. Unlike your colleagues who face a long and arduous journey of online applications and interviews, the ideal position is already waiting for you. Of course you will join the family business!
If your parents run the family business, joining the family business seems like a no-brainer. After all, not only is working for your family hard to come by, but there are countless benefits. However, no job is perfect, especially when your boss is the same person who changed your diapers when you were a baby.
Key Findings
- Many of your colleagues, co-workers and clients may think that you were hired simply because you are the boss's child.
- Working for parents can lead to serious conflict.
- If you keep the lines of communication open and set clear boundaries from the beginning, you'll have a better chance of surviving and even thriving in your family business.
There are many problems in working for your parents. Not only will outsiders decide you're not cut out for the job, but one parent will probably embarrass you one day and another will make you angry the next.
However, if you keep the lines of communication open and set clear boundaries from the beginning, you will have a better chance of surviving and even thriving in the family business. However, before accepting a job, be sure to weigh the pros and cons.
Understanding the disadvantages of working for the benefit of parents
Flaw #1: Lack of respect
Even if you are the best person for the job, many of your colleagues, co-workers, and clients will assume that you were hired simply because you are the boss's child.
When people believe that your achievements are solely the result of nepotism, they will not treat you with respect. This can cause a lot of resentment and hostility in the workplace, which can make you and everyone else uncomfortable. Not to mention, it can take a serious toll on your self-esteem.
Disadvantage #2: Family Discord
You grew up with your parents and lived under the same roof for many years. So, spending every day with them in the office will not be a big deal. As many others who have joined the family business will tell you, it is one thing to live with your parents. It's a completely different game for them.
Working for parents can lead to serious conflict. Because you know each other so well, you may be inclined to take work differences to a personal level. Plus, when you have an emotional connection with your boss, it's much easier to get your feelings hurt in the office. These disagreements can not only lead to family problems, but also harm the entire company.
Disadvantage #3: There is no way out.
When you decide to join a family business, you may feel trapped. Even if a more promising career opportunity arises, you may feel obligated to continue the family business. After all, how could you leave your parents when they spent so many years teaching you the ins and outs of the family business?
If you decide to take another job and leave the business, your family may end up resenting you for it. And do you want to suffer the wrath of your parents' unique guilt for the rest of your life?
Flaw #4: You're Emotionally Involved
When times are tough and business is slow, you'll have to watch your parents struggle to make ends meet and keep the company afloat. This can be emotionally draining for you and somewhat awkward for them.
After all, no parent wants their child to see them in such a weak position. When you work for your parents rather than for a large corporation, you experience the ups and downs much more personally.
Flaw #5: Your ideas are ruined.
Your parents may have a hard time seeing you as anything other than their “child,” so they may not value your opinion as much as other employees.
When you present new ideas in the office, your parents are likely to reject them or ignore you altogether. After all, you are their child. What do you know? This kind of rejection can quickly tire you and leave you feeling resentful.
Disadvantage #6: Family time = business time
When you work for your parents, it can start to feel like all you ever talk about is work. Any time you get together—whether it's Thanksgiving dinner or a birthday party—the conversation can always get down to business.
This can seriously put a strain on your family relationships, and you may feel like you're losing the more personal connection you once shared with your parents.
