Running a business isn’t always about making more money, it’s about building something sustainable that gives you and your team the life you want. Recently, I made a big decision: I took a salary cut to hire more team members. And honestly? It was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business and my life.
Today, I want to share the five reasons behind this decision and why it might be worth considering for your business too.
1. I Wanted More Time for My Life
Let’s be real, what’s the point of building a business if you don’t have time to enjoy life? At 43, I realized I was spending so much time working that I wasn’t living. I wanted the freedom to have breakfast with friends, go on midday dates, or travel to places like Italy or New York.
By hiring more team members to take on the tasks that were eating up my time, I’ve started creating the space to live the life I’ve always wanted.
2. The Company Couldn’t Grow Without More Help
There’s only so much one person can do. For my business to grow, I needed more hands on deck to help me do more things. I was facing too many tasks, social media, and client work and it was limiting how far we could go.
Hiring additional team members means I can focus on the bigger picture while they handle the day-to-day operations. It’s a win-win: the business grows, and I don’t burn out.
3. I Didn’t Want to Force a New Revenue Stream
Instead of scrambling to create a new revenue stream to cover the cost of hiring, I looked at my salary. I realized that if I took a cut, I could reallocate that money to bring on more help.
This shift wasn’t just about numbers, it was about strategy. By freeing up my time and handing off responsibilities to my team, I’m setting the business up to earn even more in the long run.
4. More Team Members = More Creative Minds
One of the best parts of hiring new team members is the fresh ideas they bring to the table. My team now includes people with different strengths; some are super creative, while others are detail-oriented and tactical.
The combination of these minds has been a game-changer. I no longer have to come up with every idea or solution. Together, we’re more innovative, efficient, and effective.
5. I Want My Assistant to Be Less Busy
My assistant has been with me for years, and I’m deeply invested in her well-being. She works so hard, but I want her to have the freedom to build her own life outside of work.
By bringing on more team members, she’s able to offload some of her responsibilities, giving her more balance. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference, not just for her but for the whole team.
Taking a salary cut might sound like a sacrifice, but for me, it’s been a strategic investment in my business, my team, and my life. It’s allowed me to build a company that aligns with my values of work-life balance.
If you’re running a business and overwhelmed, I encourage you to think about how you’re allocating your time and resources. Sometimes, the best way to grow is to let go and share the load.