Never mix business with your personal life

Dear Nanay,
My husband and I are sadly separating. Thank goodness we don’t have kids yet. However, we do have a small business that is doing quite well. We share in the business 50-50 and I feel I have just as much right to it as he does. How do we divide it?
– Lorna

Dear Lorna,

My personal feeling is that you must always keep your business life separate from your personal life. The two cannot mix. You can be partners in business with someone you are involved with, but be aware that when personal emotions get involved in your business decisions, that is often where problems begin.

If the business is thriving and doing well, my advice to you would be to find a way to work together harmoniously. Some people can do it and some people cannot. If you really cannot work together, then maybe one of you should take the lead and the other should just be a silent partner. And if that fails, then maybe one of you should consider selling out their share to the other.

There is no easy solution. But if you cannot get along at work, the business will not prosper and you will both lose. One of you might as well sell their share. You need to find a win-win situation, otherwise the business will suffer and you will both lose. Kung pareho kayong mawawalan, sayang naman yung mga pinaghirapan na ninyo.

Sincerely,
Nanay

* * * To Work Abroad Or Stay Home

Dear Nanay,
I just finished my studies and have an opportunity to work abroad. But my parents do not want me to go because they are worried about my safety and would rather that I just work here in Manila. For me, it is not just about the money but also the opportunity to travel and see other parts of the world. What should I do?
– Sunny

Dear Sunny,

It is always difficult to do something you want when your parents don’t want you to do it.

If I were your parents, I would allow you to go. Because if you are mature enough to make the decision to go abroad, then you are mature enough to take care of yourself while you are abroad. But I am not your parents and they have perfectly good reasons why they would prefer you to stay here.

I am glad that you want to go not only for the money but also for the opportunity to see the world. I agree that it is a fantastic chance for you to do something you have never done before.

If I were you, I would still go. If that is your dream, then go and pursue it! It may take time, but I think your parents will eventually understand that this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. And at some point in your life, you just have to start making decisions for yourself. You cannot always depend on your parents because they will not always be there.

Whatever you choose, good luck!

Sincerely,
Nanay

* * *

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