If you have not already gone into business on your own or with a partner, be aware that is very nearly an all consuming thing. If you are passionate about your product or service (and you have to be) then it is very hard to switch off and go back home… especially if things are not going well, and more effort is needed to sort them out.

I have worked through many nights, when in full flow, or when we had to deliver the following day. Often very worthwhile.

However, I have also worked further into a night than was sensible, thinking that just a couple of more things, then go home. However, being tired, I have made a mistake that has then set me back a day, just because I was not concentrating properly. It is these mistakes that are avoidable, but hard to recognise the fine line between hard work and overwork.

It is also a very key point for me when brainstorming or when stuck on a problem that I can not find a solution to – taking a break, a shower, cup of tea, sport, going to the toilet – during all of these I have had the inspiration of how to fix a problem or get over a hurdle. It is not easy to take a break when you are thinking that only hard work will fix a problem. Hard work is a given, but like baking a loaf of bread, some things take time, and a change of routine to let the brain do the computations to find the solutions is often needed. I am a big fan of showers and trips to the toilet – usually the longer type trip, not the shorter one..

Your family need to see you. You need to see them. They can help you. No point having the greatest product in the world, and all the money you could ever want, if you missed your kids growing up.. I have been lucky enough to be able to work from home. That means I can choose to watch my kids do activities at school, then make the time up when they have gone to bed. I can be with my wife and family at times when most working dads can’t.. knowing that I can make the time up work wise when it suits me.. But you have to like the work if you work from home, otherwise there are too many distractions.

The down side of working from home can be on your wife – she no longer has the space or freedom to have coffee mornings and friends round so easily if you are in the way.. I try and keep out the way, but I know I do cramp her style..