(Posted 437 days ago)

Do's and Don'ts:

Start the conversation slowly: speak, share some thoughts, and then pause. Don't talk; now it's your turn to listen.

Give your spouse time to react and process the information you're giving him/her. Remember that he/she may not have an instant reaction other than surprise. That is OK.

Do ask for his/her support and thoughts.

Consider what you saying and the words you're choosing. How are you trying to influence your spouse? How are you enlisting his/her support?

Don't assume that your spouse will reject your idea: have faith in your ideas, dreams, and visions, and positive actions usually occur much faster than if you start out by questioning them.

Say This:

Hey babe, I would love to take some time now (or this weekend, after dinner tonight, on our next date night, etc.) to talk to you about my work at XYZ company and my thoughts about going solo, about opening up my own business. I know, I know, this may be a bit of a surprise to you! Well, before you throw out some questions, let me talk for a while. Then I will listen as you tell me what you think.

I have so many ideas in my head right now about this, and the idea is very exciting, so stop me if I am not making sense at times. You know how I get when my passion starts flowing!

First, I value your opinion, and the support you have given me throughout my career has made been invaluable. You know that doing ABC task or having ABC role is what really gets me going: makes me happy. Well, last (mention how long ago this idea came to you), I started thinking about how I could do that more often. Then I did some research and starting putting together some figures. I wanted to see how I could make a living at this. I definitely want this to be a business and not just a hobby because this affects the whole family . . .

So, I have talked for a while, and now I am ready to listen. What do you think?