Why ‘Long Hours’ Business Advice Doesn’t Apply to Parents, According to Daniel Priestley

In a recent LinkedIn post, Daniel Priestley challenges conventional business advice that often overlooks the realities faced by entrepreneurs with family responsibilities. Priestley argues that many popular success mantras, such as the necessity of “long hours, late nights, weekends, etc,” are frequently espoused by individuals without children or significant caring duties, rendering their advice potentially misaligned for a large segment of the business community.

Priestley directly addresses those juggling business building with raising children, urging them to cease self-comparison with child-free counterparts. He highlights the stark difference in daily routines and available work time.

“While you’re on the school run, they’ve had an hour of deep work. While you’re juggling dinner, bath time, and bedtime stories, they’re networking over dinner, posting on Instagram, or filming their ice bath.”

The Dual Startup Reality for Parents

The core of Priestley’s argument centers on the immense effort required to manage both a business and a family. He frames this demanding situation not as a deficit, but as a testament to an entrepreneur’s capability.

According to Priestley, individuals balancing these significant life roles are essentially operating two complex ventures simultaneously. He emphasizes the need for self-recognition and appreciation for this dual commitment.

“If you’re running a business and raising a kid, you’re building two start-ups at once. Give yourself credit for that.”

Rethinking Productivity Metrics

Priestley’s post implicitly calls for a re-evaluation of how business success and productivity are measured. By contrasting the typical workday of someone with childcare responsibilities against that of someone without, he points out that the former often involves fragmented work periods interspersed with essential family duties.

As Daniel Priestley notes, the advice to simply put in more hours often fails to account for the non-negotiable commitments of parenting. This includes school runs, meal preparation, and bedtime routines, all of which consume time that others might dedicate to work, networking, or self-promotion activities like social media or ice baths, as he humorously points out.

Acknowledging Different Paths to Success

Priestley advocates for a more inclusive and understanding approach within the business world, one that acknowledges and validates the diverse circumstances of entrepreneurs. His insights suggest that success can manifest in various forms and timelines, not solely through the relentless pursuit of hours logged.

In Daniel Priestley’s view, recognizing the unique challenges faced by parents in business is crucial. He encourages entrepreneurs with caring responsibilities to focus on their own journey and to acknowledge the significant achievements involved in successfully navigating both their professional and personal lives.

While not explicitly part of the core message about parenting and business, Priestley also included an invitation to a workshop focused on becoming well-known and respected in one’s industry, offering a practical application of his entrepreneurial insights.