Balancing family and work is a challenge many of us face, especially in the empty nest stage of life. How do you carve out time for your God-given passions while ensuring your family’s needs are met? In today’s episode of the Authentic Online Marketing podcast, Ruthie Gray and her insightful retreat staff discuss these questions.

Sign up for the Next Steps Retreat

Listen to Ep. 95: Faith-Fueled Leadership: Empowering Christian Women in Business and Social Media

Listen to Episode 94: Ep. 94: Empty Nest Case Studies: Finding New Purpose in the Digital Age

Visit the new website here

For those of you who find yourself juggling family commitments with entrepreneurial desires, our Next Steps Retreat in the serene mountains of West Virginia is designed to provide clarity and support. Many empty nest entrepreneurs struggle with prioritizing tasks—every task feels urgent, yet not every task is critical. Through this retreat, you’ll learn to set a hundred-day goal while surrounded by a supportive community ready to help you sift through what’s truly important.

In today’s episode, we bring you insights from Pat, Brenda, Suzanne, and Cathy on finding balance. Kathy emphasizes setting boundaries to preserve creative endeavors, like her newsletter day, while Pat talks about intentionality over balance, reminding us that while family matters, boundaries are key. Brenda shares an innovative approach involving a shared, color-coded Google Calendar with her husband, harmonizing personal and business time. Meanwhile, Suzanne discusses the potential need to shift priorities when family health needs arise.

• Cathy: Writes a newsletter weekly, prioritizing her creative time despite family demands.
• Pat: Advocates intention over perfect balance, setting clear work boundaries to enjoy precious family moments.
• Brenda: Utilizes a shared Google Calendar for clarity and shared family accountability, combining fun personal projects with business goals.
• Suzanne: Manages active involvement in her grandchildren’s lives while preparing for possible care duties for her in-laws.

Personally, my journey continues with writing a book proposal and launching a new website, ruthiegray.com, both ventures that resonate deeply with my passion to minister to moms. As I pivot better to serve this community, I’m propelled by a desire to support women in managing validation from relationships and establishing healthy boundaries.

1. Communicate Clearly: Convey your priorities to your family to manage expectations and ensure you carve out the necessary time for your work and passions.
2. Color-code Your Schedule: Like Brenda, use tools such as a shared Google Calendar to harmonize personal and professional commitments.
3. Redefine Balance: Take Pat’s advice—not every part of your life will be balanced at all times, but being intentional can lead to more fulfilling achievements.

Our conversations stress the importance of community and shared experiences, underscoring the benefit of retreats like our Next Steps Retreat. If you’re interested in joining a network that will support you in achieving your next big goals, visit ruthiegray.com/retreat for more information.

Thank you for joining us for this insightful discussion. Until next time, continue sharing your message in your authentic voice.

The post Ep. 116: Balancing Family and Work as an Empty Nest Entrepreneur appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

Knowing when it’s time to quit can be hard, right? Today, I’m sharing how I said goodbye to a season and how this decision unfolded over time. If you’re contemplating a pivotal shift or quitting something to start something new, this episode is for you.

Purchase your copy of 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan

Join the waitlist for the Empty Nest Entrepreneur Retreat in West Virginia in 2025

Purchase your copy of Empty Nest Awakening by Ruthie Gray

Have you ever felt a persistent nudge and ignored it because it seemed too difficult? That’s exactly what happened to me. It started six months ago, like my grandson’s forgotten basketball rolling around in the back of my trunk. God brought me to this moment, and I almost ignored it. If you’re on the brink of a tough decision and you’re wondering if it’s time to quit, let me offer you some peace. Stop everything, get off the hamster wheel of doing, doing, doing. Focus on what you want to achieve in the next five years. What would accomplishing that look like, and what do you need to quit to make it happen?

One of my favorite business books, 10X is Easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan, emphasizes doing less to achieve more. Zero in on your main calling and perfect it, which often involves quitting. Sullivan warns that committing to the 10X process inevitably requires letting go of your current identity, circumstances, and comfort zone. Going 10X means excelling in one thing rather than doing more of the same just faster and harder, which is unsustainable.

Meet the Lord daily in prayer and search His Word to gain clarity on your calling.

Share your thoughts with trusted friends, a mastermind group, or a coach. My coach helped me immensely.

Writing out your thoughts helps you process and figure out your next steps.

If you’ve felt the nudge for 6-9 months, it’s time to trust your instincts.

Make your decision public and see how it feels.

I made several 10X decisions in November: I quit coaching Instagram, announced a podcast rebrand, attended a retreat, and secured a venue for our September Empty Nest Entrepreneur retreat. I found a writer’s mastermind and committed to pursuing writing and traditional publishing. The book of Daniel inspired me to help guide people wisely. Dan Sullivan encourages us to expand emotionally, living a more committed life even when it’s tough. My grandson verbalizes his emotions clearly – it’s hard, he says. Indeed, change is hard but necessary for growth.

The pivot allows someone else to pick up where you left off. I’m focusing on family and writing books, aligned with my long-term goals. I’ve had to decide what I’m unwilling to give up, realizing that time with family and writing are non-negotiable for me.

If you’re seeking wisdom and community, join our retreat in West Virginia in 2025. Sign up for the waitlist to stay informed and get coaching input in a supportive group setting. Goodbyes are hard, but they leave room for peace and growth.

As we wrap up our last episode in this format, I encourage you to consider what the nudge means for you. What does the master call a butterfly at the end of its world? Until next time, share your message your way, in your own authentic voice.

The post Ep. 115: 5 Clear Indicators It’s Time to Quit and Start Fresh appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.