Chapter 1: The Transition to Family Business Life

When I had my own apartment, I felt free to roam around in just my robe. I owned two: a vibrant purple one and a delicate white frilly version.

Now, however, my home is above my family's business, where we manage extra rooms, a pool, and a party venue. This space used to be a restaurant, but managing one proved to be too challenging and costly, especially with the need to handle customers consuming alcohol. So, we decided to pivot and rent out the area for children's celebrations and various events.

Despite the laid-back atmosphere, I find myself in customer service mode every time I step outside. Whether I’m feeding my cat or waiting for the bus, I might be approached by someone needing help with the Wi-Fi or access to the pool. Even during breakfast, the phone rings with inquiries about salon rental fees.

Being part of this family business is truly a privilege, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have such a property in our family. Yet, there's an underlying pressure. Even in the privacy of my room, I need to be mindful of drying my underwear on weekends when guests frequent the area; no one wants to see that. I usually rely on a fan to dry them indoors, even though the Costa Rican sun could do the job in no time.

Dare I wear a robe outside? I can’t even manage that inside. I dislike wired bras, so I stick to dark shirts that allow me to wake up and step outside without worrying about being inappropriate if someone knocks at my door late at night or if I have to quickly open the gate.

Being a point of contact means I always need to be somewhat presentable.

Moreover, interruptions are constant when I'm trying to work. I often find myself juggling tasks, like answering phone calls while typing on my laptop.

Communication also presents its challenges; the way I converse with family members like my dad or grandma differs significantly from how I’d engage with a boss. The emotional dynamics and familial hierarchy complicate things.

Establishing boundaries becomes both more challenging and necessary.

But perhaps, in a future life, I can dream of owning a bathrobe once more.

Chapter 2: Navigating Family Dynamics