Soapbox

Is working with family a mixed business?

May 14 11:43pm

Today on Sunrise we looked at how 60% of Australian businesses are run by families.

Deakin University is researching the effects of 'familiness' on family businessses.

For many people, the thought of working with relatives is enough to have them change their will. While holidays can be difficult to arrange, loyalty, trust band a strong work ethic towards the business can make such jobs fulfilling.  

If you have spent time working with your parents, siblings or cousins, tell us below how it went.... 

 

8 Comments Report Abuse
1. calscrapmetal - May 15 08:35am
Good Morning Mel & Kochie, My husband and I own a family business it was orignally owned by my father in law then we took over. All our employees are brothers and sisters and we also employ our nephews after school and weekends. The business has been going for over 20 years now and it works great.
2. moore.peter58 - May 15 08:43am
Child Abuse In 21st Century - Leave the Farm (Small Business) to the children
3. alegna_2bub - May 15 10:34am
There is good & bad in everything. I work for my Husband & Father-in-law as an "employee' & that's the way I like it. Even though I'm a member of the family I don't want that responsibility of controlling someone else's money ie. Father-in-law.
4. carolan.kelly - May 16 07:34am
I want to comment on the 'hitchhiking' subject
I think you'll find there aren't too many bad comments coming in due to the fact that those with bad experiences may not be around to tell the story!!
5. kenningtonroberta - May 23 09:51am
I think family business run really well, but what I object to is being served by a 8 year old behind the counter. or little children running in and out of the kitchen where is the hygiene couldn't imagine a small child in kitchen with hot oil/water disaster waiting to happen what r the health laws?
6. shelleydavidson79 - May 27 10:02am
My husband was the boss of a road crew and I could not work with him. On the job he has no respect for anyone, so no, I dont think working with family is such a great idea
7. russcott2002 - Jun 11 10:09pm
I gave 13 years of my life working for my mum. Paid under the award, rare holidays and when I finally quit 14 months ago, no severance or outstanding holidays. I worked for her out of loyalty but eventually realised that my 4 siblings were living their lives where and how they wanted without the
8. russcott2002 - Jun 11 10:10pm
extra burden I carried all that time. Although I love my mother, I certainly was not able to get ahead in life doing what I was doing.
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