Building a glamping campsite while working full-time can be a good way to go. You want to turn your vision into reality but still need the stability and the income that a full-time job brings -but it’s important to be prepared for the time and energy it takes.
Between the long workdays, endless to-do lists, and the constant push to create a space where others can relax and reconnect, it’s easy to lose touch with the very people who matter most: your family, friends, and loved ones.
If you’re in the thick of building a retreat while holding down a 9-to-5 (or longer), staying connected is possible—and essential. Here are 10 real-world strategies for maintaining meaningful relationships while living a busy, hands-on life.
1. Set Shared Expectations
Start with open, honest conversations. Let your loved ones know what you’re building, why it matters to you, and how it might affect your time and energy. When people understand your schedule and your passion, they’re more likely to support you—and feel included rather than left behind.
2. Make Them Part of the Process
Invite your partner, kids, or close friends into the project in small ways:
- Ask for opinions on design choices.
- Bring them to the site to see progress.
- Let them name cabins or create trail markers.
- Plan together—vision boards, Pinterest ideas, even daydreams.
Involvement builds connection and turns the project into a shared adventure.
3. Create Protected Time for Connection
Treat your relationships like they matter (because they do!) by carving out regular, protected time. That could mean:
- Accept invitations and give invitations to gatherings.
- Sunday breakfast with no phones.
- Evening walks or check-in calls or texts.
It’s not always about the amount of time—it’s about being fully present in the time you do have.
4. Use Technology Intentionally
Use tech tools to bridge the gap when you can’t be physically present:
- Send quick videos from the site.
- Share project photos.
- Schedule calls or FaceTime sessions.
Group chats can also help keep everyone involved.
5. Celebrate Small Wins Together
Don’t wait until the grand opening to celebrate. Share the little victories:
- First finished cabin.
- Positive guest review.
- A tough week survived.
Celebrating together deepens the feeling that you’re all in it as a team.
6. Be Honest About Burnout
You don’t have to pretend everything is fine. Let your people know when you’re tired or overwhelmed. Being real builds trust—and gives them a chance to show up for you, too.
Self-care isn’t selfish. The healthier you are, the more you can give to others.
7. Involve Them in the Bigger Dream
Remind your loved ones that the goal isn’t just a business—it’s a future. Maybe it’s a family legacy, a lifestyle shift, or a dream to host loved ones on your land.
Make it clear: you’re not just building a campsite. You’re building a life.
8. Keep a Sense of Humor
Things will go wrong. Plans will fall through. You will get caught with your pants down. Laugh often, especially when things don’t go according to plan. Humor lightens the load and reminds you—and everyone around you—not to take it all too seriously.
9. Build in Offline Weekends
Every few weeks, step away from the work. Turn off your phone. Go camping yourselves. Visit family. Do nothing. These breaks reset your energy and your relationships.
Work will still be there on Monday. But connection needs attention now.
10. Presence Over Perfection
You don’t need to do everything perfectly. You just need to show up. A short walk, a heartfelt text, a quick coffee chat—those small moments of real presence add up.
Focus on presence, not perfection. That’s what keeps love alive.
Final Thoughts
Yes, building a glamping business while working full-time is a huge undertaking. But don’t let it cost you the relationships that give your life meaning.
With intention, communication, and small daily actions, you can build not just a beautiful retreat, but a deeply connected, meaningful life.
Want more behind-the-scenes stories and tips from the campsite? Join the GlampSite Joe e-mail list for regular updates.
Photo by Tanner Marquis on Unsplash
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Photo by Ivan Dimitrov on Unsplash
