As an indie hacker, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching a new side project or business. The thrill of building something from scratch and seeing early traction can be intoxicating. However, it's important not to neglect your close relationships, especially with a romantic partner.
Your Partner Sees You Differently Than You See Yourself
Your partner knows you in a way that you can never know yourself. They see beyond your ambitions, anxieties, and self-perceptions. As Kahl said in the interview, "they are your mirror for everything that you do in your private life, you need to make sure they're on board." Your partner can provide a sobering and stabilizing presence, helping to ground you in what really matters.
Communicate Openly and Make Time for Shared Experiences
As an indie hacker, much of your mental energy is devoted to your work. It's easy for your relationship to become an afterthought. However, it's critical to maintain open communication with your partner and to schedule quality time together.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Spend time together disconnected from work. As Kahl said, "weekends are important and I keep my work out of my weekends." Set ground rules for yourself to be fully present with your partner during personal time. Minimize checking email and work messaging. Make the choice to be available for your relationship.
Your Partner's Support Matters More Than Any Business Success
No matter how much traction your side project gains or revenue it generates, your relationship should remain the priority. Your partner's support and involvement in your journey can help sustain your motivation and resilience. However, if you neglect the relationship in pursuit of business success, you risk losing something irreplaceable.
As Kahl said, "Your mental health was pretty important, but so was the mental health of the people on my team."Make sure to involve your partner in your journey , communicate openly about the stresses and anxieties of indie hacking, and work to maintain a healthy balance between business and personal life. Their support can make all the difference.
Check out the full interview on the Code & Conquer podcast.
Kahl runs The Bootstrapped Founder, helping others build meaningful businesses.