At Ladies With Tradies, we see this all the time. Tradie couples who love each other deeply but are worn thin by the pressures of business. And we know from our own story—it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Starting Over: The Lessons of a New Business
Last year, Jayson and I launched a new venture—Just Doon It Fishing Charters in the Northern Territory.
Now, we’re no strangers to running businesses. We’ve built and managed multiple ventures before. But stepping into the tourism industry meant going back to square one—building systems from scratch, juggling new responsibilities, and figuring out how to make it all work as a team.
It reminded me of something so many tradie couples face: even when you’ve got skills and experience, starting (or restarting) a business together can bring up challenges you didn’t expect.
Some of the big lessons we’ve seen—both in our business and in the couples we coach—include:
- Unclear roles: When no one’s sure who’s responsible for what, tension rises fast.
- Broken systems: Even the best partnerships struggle when processes don’t flow.
- Feeling unseen: One partner feels like they’re doing all the work while the other doesn’t notice.
- Money stress: When every dollar goes straight back into the business, resentment can build.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
When Systems Break Down, Emotions Rise
Here’s a personal example.
Just last week, Jays and I had a heated moment. I’d been working with our VA, Gwyn, to set up systems for the business. But somewhere along the way, Jays veered off track with them (and truth be told, I did too). Cue frustration, miscommunication, and a good old-fashioned argument.
But here’s the thing: this is normal.
Every couple in business together will hit moments like this. The key is what you do next.
We chose to:
- Step back before things escalated
- Acknowledge each other’s efforts
- Realign on our shared goals
- Respect the roles we’d agreed on
That shift—from conflict to clarity—is what makes the difference between feeling stuck in a loveless job and building a business you actually enjoy together.
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Why We Coach Couples Together (Not Separately)
Here’s what makes our coaching at Ladies With Tradies different: we don’t just focus on the numbers or the systems. We focus on the relationship behind the business.
Because let’s be real—if building your trade business is tearing your marriage apart, what’s the point?
Our approach works because we:
- Bring both partners into the conversation (not just the tradie).
- Help couples create shared goals they both care about.
- Define clear roles so there’s no overlap or resentment.
- Build systems that work for both partners, not just one.
Many of our clients call us their “marriage coaches in disguise” because the ripple effect goes far beyond the business. Stronger communication. Clearer expectations. A relationship that feels like a team again.
3 Steps to Stop Your Business From Feeling Like a Loveless Job
Here are three simple but powerful steps you can start with today:
1. Make Sure Everyone Gets Paid
Working in the business without being paid breeds resentment. Even if it’s not a full salary yet, pay something. It’s a tangible way of saying, “I value what you bring to the table.”
2. Set Weekly Director Time
Block out one hour a week where you both sit down as business directors.
During this time, you:
- Review your goals
- Check progress
- Talk through challenges
- Decide next steps
Keep this meeting sacred. No skipping. No distractions.
3. Make Time for Personal Connection
This is just as important as the business meetings. Set aside time each week for personal connection—whether it’s breakfast together, a walk, or a slow cuppa in the morning.
The rule? No shop talk. Just the two of you, reconnecting as a couple.
Quick Tips to Keep Your Partnership Strong
- Use agendas for business meetings so they stay on track
- Write down decisions so you’re not rehashing the same arguments
- Respect that both partners feel pressure—even if it shows differently
- Be patient with different working styles
- Keep coming back to the why you started in the first place
Final Thoughts: From Loveless to Lasting
Running a trade business as a couple isn’t easy. The systems will break. The money will be tight. The emotions will flare. But those challenges don’t have to define you.
With the right tools, clear roles, and regular connection, you can transform your business partnership from feeling like a loveless job into something that builds both your future and your relationship.
And if you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s us. We’re tired, we’re stuck, and we’re not sure how to fix it”—you don’t have to do it alone.
👉 Book a free call with our coaching team today and let’s get you back on track—both in business and in love.
