Starting a new company often comes with a lot of stress and uncertainty. It also takes a great amount of focus and time.
When one person in a relationship focuses on any new venture or interest that takes up a great amount of time, the other person may feel neglected and unimportant. The start of a new company does not have to mean the end of a marriage.
Be open about concerns
Both parties in the relationship need to give voice to their problems. The partner starting the business may not realize that their partner feels neglected if their partner does not verbalize their concerns. They may be so wrapped-up in the needs of the new business that they are blind to the hurt they are causing at home. The partner starting the business should also be vocal about any feelings of blame or guilt for taking time away from home. Both parties should be open and clear, but not accusatory.
Schedule time together
Establish a time each day or a day each week to spend time together to attempt to rebuild or reinforce your connection. Do not discuss the business at all during these blocks of time. Marriage takes work. Both parties need to devote time to the relationship.
Give yourselves time to adjust
The first few months and years of any new business are tough. It is tough on the person starting a new business. It is equally tough on the person taking on more responsibilities at home with less involvement from their partner. Give your partner time to work through the hurdles of the new normal. The struggle of those first few years may result in a productive and lucrative business.
Preparing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to establish if the new business will be joint marital property in the event of divorce will lead to less hassle when dividing assets if divorce does become a reality.