The following article is written by Mark Evans, from ACA Partner Child Care Centre Desktop:
Why would anyone in their right mind own and operate a small business? In particular; an early education and care service?
In the beginning the answer is easy. There is the dream of not only being involved in a vocation that you love but also the independence, ‘calling your own shots’, building something bigger than yourself, supporting families and the community - and of course providing care and education to young Australians in the early years.
You get to pave the way and put your own special touches onto what can be argued as one of the most important services available today anywhere in the world.
Sounds good. Especially when everything is going well, but when it turns or dips (and it invariably will) – what then?
Enter the Pandemic. It has single headedly escalated normal operational and commercial challenges ’10-fold’. It’s the threat that would never have been entered into anyone’s business plan – yet here it is turning lives upside down.
For some, specifically those in leadership roles – there exists mindset battles.
Under normal or good circumstances, the owner or Provider of a childcare service is expected and required to know what to do. Under lousy or tough circumstances, the exact same expectations apply.
They are expected to lead with confidence irrespective - good, or bad.
When things are going well communication and collegiality between management and staff can be in sync. During uncertain times it can become a very lonely place for the Owner / Provider.
Making decisions at the best of times can be difficult. Some decisions during a Pandemic can be not only difficult but extremely painful.
An experienced Owner / Provider will promote and foster a work-life balance for team members, particularly during times like these. Their own work-life balance rarely comes up in conversation.
Owners / Providers are entrepreneurs, managers, and employers. On the flip they could also be juggling stay-at-home orders, home schooling for their own children and quite possibly the loss of income due to a partner being stood down.
For the most part we are all comfortable with the status-quo – change can be unsettling. For the Owner / Provider, they must adapt quickly to changing circumstances to survive - irrespective of how unpopular this may be.
Keep in mind that it’s a fallacy to think all early education and care services make a profit. Many Owner / Providers, especially in remote and regional areas do not even draw a proper wage. Some no wage at all.
It can be a tough gig even in the best of times…
Back in 1953 an American football coach John Thomas coined the phrase “when things get tough-the tough get going” and not a truer statement could be applied to Owners and Providers of childcare services – especially now!
To reiterate the question; Why would anyone in their right mind own and operate a small business?
I speak with Owners / Providers of childcare services every day and even in these uncertain times I don’t need to ask them why they do what they do? Their commitment and over-riding passion are clear and obvious. They love it no matter what.
This article is a big shout-out and thank you to all Owners / Providers / Directors and Managers around Australia.
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