It's hard to believe it's been a year since leaving my agency job to join Lifetime Creations as a partner, an online personalized gifts and promotional products business my husband Nick started in 2007. (That's us in the photo above - just a couple of crazy people trying to figure out life and business.)

When meeting someone new, I usually get asked what it’s like to work so closely with my husband on a daily basis. Most people admit they could never work with their spouse, followed by a few jokes as they try to imagine that scenario playing out in their own lives.

So what if you're considering adding business owner to your Mr. and Mrs. titles? While I still have a lot to learn, here are some insights I've gained so far.

It's okay to have a Plan B.

There are some successful business owners and entrepreneurs who insist you can't have a backup plan should the business fail. They believe the mindset that failure isn’t an option is the only way you’ll survive.

I disagree. I think you can have a Plan B and still work harder than you ever have, and still be successful.

Before leaving a regular paycheck and benefits, we had an overwhelming number of worst-case scenarios running through our heads:

• How are we going to afford private health insurance?
• What if we can't pay ourselves?
• What happens if we don't hit our goals?

But even with the terrifying downsides, we kept coming back to the opportunity. Finally, we asked ourselves, "What's the worst that can happen? If it doesn't work out a year from now - then what?"

I knew it wouldn't be easy to find a job, but that's what we would do - and it's why my one year anniversary with the business is a significant milestone. We would give it a year and if things weren't working out, we would move on. Ironically once I realized this, it gave me the security I needed and I knew it was the right decision.

Work/life balance is an illusion.

Before making the decision to become a business owner, you know you’re going to work harder than you ever have while taking risks outside your comfort zone and making sacrifices. And if you're going into business with your husband or wife, a big part of your relationship will depend on how well you can adapt to those challenges at the office and at home.

When both partners are totally dependent on the success of the business, it can place a lot of stress on your marriage. But working so intensely toward a shared goal can also bring you closer together. It's a dynamic only the two of you will share and can fully understand.

There are times we absolutely need a break. Maybe it's a weekend away so we're refreshed when we get back, or simply avoiding talking business at the dinner table because it's already been a long day.

But overall, work and life are so tightly integrated that it’s near impossible to make a distinction. I don’t think this has to necessarily be negative, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Knowing your limits and ultimately what’s most important in your life can help provide the checks and balances you need from time to time.

There will be highs and lower lows.

I'll never forget the moment several years ago when we first ran our Facebook ads. It was for a product extension line off our main business. We got our first "like" and thought it was awesome. Then hundreds more within the first few hours which was amazing and totally unexpected. Nick and I were standing in the kitchen screaming and jumping with pure joy and excitement.

Then there are days we look at each other and ask ourselves, “What the hell are we doing?” and we re-evaluate everything. Are we making the right decisions? Can we afford to hire another person? Can we afford not to? How are we going to repair a key piece of production equipment that just broke at the worst possible time?

That's when we rely on each other to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward.

Be confident you make a good team.

Helping each other move on from the lows and continuing to grow is why it’s so important to make a good team. You need that person to be a source of comfort and reason when you're feeling your worst. You hopefully have a history of being able to work through challenges in a healthy way.

We're not perfect, but overall we knew by working together that we could achieve more. We also had the chance to work together on business-related projects for a few years before I joined full time, so I had confidence knowing that our individual strengths and weaknesses would complement one other.

This means we focus on those strengths and each have individual responsibilities to reflect them. When we stray from this general rule and cross into each other’s turf is when we’re no longer at our best and tensions can get high.

Take time for yourself.

Just as important as making a great team is taking good care of yourself.

Running and yoga are a critical part of my week and help clear my mind. Nick plays in a basketball league and likes to tackle various DIY projects. We each have our own morning routine to get ready for the day.

Some of my most clear-headed moments are when I'm alone. Give yourself time to reflect and it'll be one of the greater investments you can make.

There are so many opportunities to improve and grow the business, all of which can directly impact your family and employees. It's a lot of weight to carry, but nothing will ever make you feel more fulfilled and motivated to make it work.

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