Finding a healthy balance between work and home life is tough but not impossible, according to a new study.

Family business can be enjoyable and fulfilling, according to a 2009 study of family business owners by MassMutual.

While a family business has many advantages – such as being your own boss and scheduling flexibility – respondents to the survey also said owning a family business can lead to more stress (44 percent) and can mean that you never take a day off (39 percent), according to the survey, commissioned by MassMutual and conducted by Harris Interactive.

As a result, 56 percent of owners are constantly trying to improve their work-life balance. According to the survey, 44 percent of family business owners always or often discuss work at home, and 28 percent always or often discuss home life at work. Nevertheless, surprisingly few find it to be a concern. Sixty percent say their discussions of work at home rarely or never cause problems, while 75 percent say discussing home at work presents no difficulties.

The blurring of work-life issues in businesses owned by spouses is somewhat unavoidable, according to the survey. When asked to name their single-most trusted advisor, the largest percentage of respondents (38 percent) named their spouses, who far outranked the runners-up, accountants (19 percent) and lawyers (14 percent).

"With some common sense and mutual respect, most family members can strike a healthy balance between work and home life," said Beth Wood, assistant vice president of business market development at MassMutual, and a former family business owner.