Always available or creating a work-life ballance

We've all been there, client asks if you can 'fit in' a quick job. That job looks like a five-minute project to the customer – we know that an hour will be needed and it's 17.23, what do we do? • Jump on and provide no matter what, missing the rain or kids bath time

• try to explain that the work is not five-minutes and you'll need to send over the following morning – making the client look unknowledgeable or unreasonable

• Turn the work down – potentially putting a client in a difficult position

This is a dilemma for all self employed, I'm not sure there is an answer that fits all. I expect that the personality and relationship are key. So, lest extend that. We have a break planned with loved-ones and a large project comes up that is time sensitive. If you were employed it's a question for the boss and HR, self-employed … different issue. Personally, I try to juggle my family life and working live as neither work independently. I wouldn't have a personal life without work and I wouldn't be able to do my job without support from my partner. Remote working has allowed me greater flexibility here and the increase of faster broadband speeds globally help. I have known my wife for so many years. She is aware that my work has paid for so much and afforded us a wonderful life so when we go away I respectfully negotiate with both parties; I book at least three weeks (pleasing my wife), take the laptop and work when 'possible' Monday to Friday. Making meetings and urgent deadlines unmissable. There my wife has three weeks in the sun, I keep customers happy and respectful as I'm happy to on holiday work from an air-conditioned villa – they generaly are then respectful of a mini break within the three weeks where I am NOT contactable so I have 4 days where I can recharge my own brain and body. It works for me as I use a laptop, maybe harder if you are building houses.