Balancing business and personal life
Chapter 13: Balancing Business and Personal Life
Chanda had achieved remarkable success by 20, running multiple businesses and securing his position as a prominent entrepreneur in Lusaka and rural Zambia. Yet, as his wealth grew, he began to notice a gap in his life. While his businesses thrived, his personal life remained solitary.
Sitting in his well-furnished home in Makeni one evening, Chanda realized that, despite his achievements, he didn't have anyone to share them with. It was time to focus on improving not just his wealth, but his happiness.
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Upgrading His Lifestyle
Chanda had always lived modestly, reinvesting most of his profits into his businesses. But now, he decided to reward himself for years of hard work.
1. A New Home
Chanda upgraded from his two-bedroom rental to a larger house in Ibex Hill, a more upscale neighborhood in Lusaka. The house, costing 7,000 ZMW per month to rent, boasted three bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a small garden where he could relax.
2. A Car
Tired of relying on taxis and public transport, Chanda purchased a used Toyota Corolla for 120,000 ZMW. The car was practical yet comfortable, allowing him to move between his businesses and personal errands with ease.
3. Wardrobe Upgrade
Chanda visited Manda Hill Mall and treated himself to a new wardrobe. He replaced his worn-out clothes with tailored suits and polished shoes, giving him a professional look that matched his growing reputation.
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Searching for Love
With his improved lifestyle, Chanda felt more confident about seeking companionship. However, he quickly realized that finding a genuine connection as a wealthy entrepreneur was challenging.
At a networking event, he met Ruth, a vibrant 22-year-old studying business at the University of Zambia. They struck up a conversation about entrepreneurship, and Chanda was impressed by her ambition and intelligence.
"I admire what you've accomplished," Ruth said. "But tell me, doesn't running all these businesses get lonely?"
Her question hit home, and Chanda opened up about his desire for balance in his life. They exchanged numbers, and soon their conversations turned into regular dates.
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Learning to Balance Love and Business
Dating Ruth introduced Chanda to a new set of challenges. While he enjoyed her company, he often found it difficult to step away from his businesses. Ruth was understanding but firm.
"Chanda, you've built an empire," she said one evening over dinner. "But you need to learn to step back and enjoy what you've worked for."
Taking her advice to heart, Chanda began setting boundaries:
Delegating More: He empowered his managers, Mwila and Patrick, to handle day-to-day operations.
Scheduling Personal Time: Chanda dedicated Sundays to spending time with Ruth, whether it was exploring Lusaka, visiting her campus, or enjoying quiet evenings at home.
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Improving Quality of Life
Inspired by Ruth, Chanda also started focusing on his health and well-being. He joined a gym in Woodlands, paying 500 ZMW monthly, and began exercising three times a week. He also hired a personal chef to prepare nutritious meals, costing him 2,000 ZMW monthly.
These changes made a noticeable difference. Chanda felt more energetic and less stressed, allowing him to think more clearly and enjoy life outside of work.
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Deepening His Relationship
As their relationship blossomed, Chanda introduced Ruth to his family during a trip to Kaoma. His parents were thrilled to see him happy and welcomed Ruth warmly.
"She's smart and grounded," his mother said later. "I think she'll keep you balanced."
During the visit, Chanda also took Ruth to see some of his rural stalls. She was impressed by his commitment to uplifting communities and suggested ways to improve customer experiences, such as setting up small seating areas for food stalls.
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Ruth's Influence on Business
Ruth's background in business studies brought a fresh perspective to Chanda's ventures. She suggested expanding his hospitality business by hosting events at his lodges, such as conferences and small weddings.
Following her advice, Chanda invested 50,000 ZMW to convert the outdoor area of his Makeni lodge into a multipurpose event space. The move paid off, generating an additional 10,000 ZMW in monthly revenue.
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Finding Fulfillment
By 21, Chanda's life was more balanced than ever:
Business: His ventures in rural markets, hospitality, and restaurants generated steady income, with profits exceeding 100,000 ZMW monthly.
Lifestyle: He enjoyed a comfortable home, a reliable car, and a healthier routine.
Love: Ruth had become a pillar of support and inspiration, pushing him to grow both personally and professionally.
Sitting in his garden one evening, Chanda reflected on how far he had come. From a boy selling mangoes in Kaoma to a successful entrepreneur with a loving partner, his journey had been extraordinary.
Yet, as he watched the Lusaka skyline light up the night, Chanda knew his story wasn't finished. With Ruth by his side and a vision for even greater success, the future was brighter than ever.