Business Insider asks Ruth Furman how she runs her business while her husband enjoys retirement

Business Insider magazine recently featured Ruth Furman, principal of ImageWords Communications. Journalist Cailey Griffin interviewed Furman about how she still runs her own PR firm even though her husband retired five years ago.

Furman said it was “an honor” to be featured, especially since the story comes after she and her husband celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. 

So, what does the media pro say helps her maintain balance in running a business in the hyper-speed world of PR while her husband is enjoying his downtime? Communication is one of the keys, Furman told Griffin, especially since she and her husband’s schedules can often conflict.

“I often get up around 4:15 a.m. and work in multiple time zones to keep up with clients. Michael’s schedule is much more structured. Michael typically spends weekdays following the stock market through podcasts and television and it’s something he enjoys doing, and he also wants to manage our investments,” Furman explained. 

Michael and Ruth

Michael also takes time to visit family and friends. When her schedule allows for it, Furman takes late afternoon breaks for coffee with her husband.

“I’ve only recently gotten better at communicating with him about my work schedule, so it takes time,” she added. “For example, there might be a situation where he’s watching a TV show about the stock market on a day when I’m working from home, and the volume will be too loud. Instead of assuming he knows I’m working, I’ll go into a quiet room and close the door. Or if he’s asking me a question while I’m in the middle of something or trying to get my attention, we’ve developed certain hand signals so that he knows I’m working.”

Furman also said when her husband retired, she assumed he would do certain things around the house. But that’s not always the case. Instead, they both have agreed to split household chores up by their strengths. She dislikes dealing with the dishwasher, for example, and he is always willing to take care of that task.  

Even though her husband is retired, Ruth is not ready to do the same. She does, however, admit that she is hiring more and creating a “semi-retired” lifestyle that allows her to prioritize both her own personal well-being as well as her clients’ needs – all of that is with Michael’s help of course.