“Never mix business and family,” is a rule of thumb that so many people follow. But more and more couples are proving them wrong. As the job market becomes more competitive, some entrepreneurial couples are diversifying their portfolios and going into business for themselves.

Owning a home franchise business can give you the satisfaction of working for yourself and the flexibility for a better work/life balance. A great example of this is Jo and Mark Butler who own a profitable tutoring business.

“We looked at growing markets and identified that, with education becoming increasingly competitive and an increasing concern for parents, tutoring would be a great opportunity. Mark began working full time. However, after 10 months, we had experienced such rapid growth that I decided to join the business full time too,” says Jo of their Tutor Doctor franchise.

While most couples may be concerned that work will put added pressure on their relationship, Jo disagrees, “having been together for many years, we know each other very well—maybe too well! We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how our individual skills can complement each Mark is strong with strategic planning, networking and sales while I drive the recruitment, operating systems and organise the office to support the expansion of the business.”

Knowing your partner’s strengths and weaknesses can mean you are able to work more effectively together. When you are both invested in the success of your home tutoring business, you can be sure that you are more committed than an employee would be.

When asked what advice Jo has for others who may be considering buying a home tutoring franchise, she had this to say, “We have a rule that there is no business talk after 9pm although it’s not easy to stick to that! Set out your individual responsibilities as you would in any business partnership. And don’t bring personal issues to the office.”

Owning a profitable home franchise means that you can work towards a brighter future together, while helping to build your community and connecting with those families in your area that need your help. For Jo and Mark, this has been a very rewarding experience; “Working together has been a great opportunity to take control of our lives. We are able to build something substantial both from a business perspective and for our family.”