Mark and I have been working together for 11 years—a milestone that’s both rewarding and, at times, challenging. As some people know, we are partners in life and partners in crime, and while that sounds great on paper, it comes with its own set of unique dynamics.
The good news? We are both incredibly dedicated professionals who work hard every day, pushing each other to be better. We understand each other’s frustrations, exhaustion, and stress in a way that few colleagues ever could. But we also know exactly when to celebrate—both the small wins and the big ones. That level of synchronicity is rare, and it’s something I’m truly grateful for.
The Double-Edged Sword of Being ‘In Sync’
Being so deeply connected, both personally and professionally, has one major downside: We never truly disconnect. The line between work and personal life is blurred—so much so that vacations often look like a remote office with better scenery.
A weekend getaway? We’re still taking calls.
A vacation? There are always meetings.
A dinner date? A new deal is probably being discussed.
For anyone else who is “uber-connected” with their business, you know how hard it is to hit pause. Our conversations naturally shift back to work, ideas, and strategies, even when we promise ourselves to “unplug.”
That Time We Tried to Take a Break… and Failed
Last August, we had a rare realization: the second week of the month was completely open. No scheduled client meetings, no urgent deadlines. So, we did what any rational people would do—we booked a last-minute trip to escape the daily grind.
But here’s the thing about being in real estate and running a business—you’re never really “off.”
What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway quickly turned into a mobile office with better coffee. We answered so many calls, emails, and texts that I actually decided not to go into a single museum because I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus.
So, what did we do instead?
We walked the cities, took in the sights from the outside, enjoyed cold beers, and had long brunches while replying to clients and agents. It wasn’t quite the break we planned, but it was a reminder that our version of “vacation” looks a little different—and that’s okay.
Balancing Stress, Work, and Each Other
The hardest part of working together? Frustration and stress. They’re always there, and sometimes one of us is carrying more than the other. That’s when things get tricky—when one of us is overwhelmed, and the other is trying to keep things steady.
Over time, we’ve learned to recognize those moments. We know when one of us is carrying more weight, and instead of letting that frustration spiral, we try to support each other with respect, love, and patience. It’s not always easy, but we’re in this together.
And Finally… Mark is Still a Hot Mess at Home!
No matter how synchronized we are at work, at home, it’s a different story. Let’s just say that after 11 years, some things never change. Mark is still a hot mess, and I’ve accepted my fate.
What About You?
If you work with your significant other (or even just work non-stop), how do you find balance? Drop a comment and let me know—I might need the advice.
