“They Choose Dad, Not The Business” – A Post-Father’s Day Reflection on Balancing Business and Fatherhood Refocused on You

By Chris Austin, President & Owner of Ardiah

Father’s Day just passed — and it left me thinking.

Not about the gifts, the cards, or the social media shoutouts.

It made me reflect — deeply — on what it means to be a dad and an entrepreneur.

See, our kids don’t care how many hours we spent building a business. They don’t care how many employees we manage or how many customers we served. They care that we show up. They chose us. Not our company. Not our title. Not our hustle.

And that hit me hard this year — because I’ll be the first to admit: I need to do better.

This post-Father’s Day reflection isn’t just a message to fellow dads out there balancing life and business — it’s a challenge to myself, too. Because while I chose entrepreneurship, my kids chose me to be present. And I don’t want to miss it.

Balancing Two Full-Time Jobs

Let’s be honest — business doesn’t pause for family milestones. Emergencies don’t wait for soccer games or family dinners. Emails still flood in during vacations.

But balance doesn’t mean splitting time 50/50. It means being intentional with the time we do have.

Here are a few practices I’m working on (and some I still need to get better at):

1. Put Family on the Calendar — First

We calendar everything for our business. Why not do the same for our kids? Their events, their time, their needs — those deserve the same protection as a client meeting.

2. Presence Over Proximity

Being in the room isn’t the same as being engaged. I’ve caught myself nodding through bedtime stories while thinking about invoices. That’s not the dad I want to be. Presence is the real gift.

3. Let Them See the Journey

Don’t hide the work. Let them see the effort, the long nights, and the passion — but make sure they see the boundaries too. That teaches them balance, not burnout.

4. Walk the Walk with Boundaries

We can’t expect our kids to set healthy boundaries if they never see us doing it. Shut the laptop. Turn off the phone. Say “not now” to work and “yes” to them — they’re watching.

When Business Interrupts at the Worst Time

It’s inevitable — the call comes during the recital. The crisis hits on family movie night.

When that happens:

• Be honest. Tell them what’s going on.

• Make it up — intentionally. Reschedule that time and follow through.

• Set the standard. If this becomes the norm, the message becomes: “work is more important than you.”

Why Don’t Our Kids Want the Business?

I talk to a lot of business owners who are wondering: Why don’t my kids want to take over what I built?

And it’s a fair question. We put our heart into this.

But here’s a tough truth:
Our kids don’t want to inherit our exhaustion.
They don’t want our 80-hour weeks.
They want their own dreams. Just like we did.

That doesn’t mean our legacy is lost — it means we have to shift how we think about legacy.

Building a Legacy They Might Want

What if we built businesses our kids were actually excited to be a part of? Not because we expect it, but because they see a life they’d want for themselves?

Here’s how we start:

• Model balance. Show them that running a business can mean joy, flexibility, and purpose — not just pressure.

• Involve them early. Let them shadow you, help out, or offer ideas. Don’t force it — but don’t hide it.

• Share your “why.” The reason behind your business might be what inspires them most. Not the numbers, the purpose.

• Redefine legacy. It’s not just about passing down a company. It’s about passing down values — work ethic, honesty, passion, and commitment.

A Final Post-Father’s Day Thought

Father’s Day came and went — but the lessons it brings shouldn’t fade on Monday.

It reminded me that no matter how many business plans I write or strategies I launch, the most important job I have is being Dad.

And that role is earned every day — not through perfection, but through presence. Through listening, laughing, and showing up when it matters most.

If you’re a dad trying to do it all — I see you. I am you. Let’s commit to doing it with balance and with intention.

Because they didn’t choose the business — they chose us.
And that’s the greatest legacy we’ll ever leave.

—
Chris Austin
President & Owner, Ardiah
📍 Midcoast Maine
📞 207-230-4576
🌐 www.ardiah.com

About the Author: Chris Austin is passionate about supporting small businesses and is the President and Owner of Ardiah, a trusted provider of payroll, payment, and point of sale solutions. Chris and his team are dedicated to helping small businesses thrive by delivering tailored solutions and personalized support. If you have a small business support or service need, they would love to help! 207-230-4576 or email: Info@ardiah.com