Need Advice: Balancing Freelance Work and a New Business Partnership – Stressed Out!

Hi guys, I am in a dilemma right now.

Long story ahead:

My circle of friends in college (three men and one woman, including me) decided to start a business, or as we call it, a partnership. All of us have different experiences but share the same knowledge and expertise.

Our smart friend Male1 (who also pitched the idea) wants to specialize in bookkeeping. He is great with accounting and numbers and also has a marketing background.

I also have knowledge in bookkeeping and accounting, but most of my career has been spent in digital marketing (SEO, SMM, ADS).

Male2, who is my love interest, has great experience in business operations because he was an assistant store manager for two years. Though he lacks interest in bookkeeping, he can do Ads.

Male3, for now, is a bit irrelevant to the business because he lacks skills, but he handles other errands for the partners.

From our agreement, we will have equal shares because we each contribute our expertise to growing the company.

I am willing to handle bookkeeping if Male1 is unable to do so or is too busy.

Here is the conflict:

Before the idea was pitched, I was working as a freelancer offering digital marketing services. A year ago, I was planning to start my own brand or agency to help a friend who badly needed money. I said to train him an employ him if I needed an extra hand when clients’ demand becomes overwhelming.

Last week, we pitched to a client who asked for bookkeeping and marketing help, which I agreed to provide. Since our company only offers bookkeeping, I assumed this would fall under my freelancing business. I need the money urgently for my education and to help my friend.

Male1 didn't take this well. His reasons are:

1. He is fully committed to our business and felt betrayed that I am building something outside of it.

2. He is upset because we have equal shares, but my efforts and focus will be divided.

3. He planned for our business to offer marketing services in future expansions.

4. He thinks it would be unfair to the partnership if I used its resources to pitch my freelance clients.

Male2 suggested buying my freelancing business and incorporating it under our business name. I agreed but with the demand that 90% of the income from that business would go to me for expenses (salaries, etc.) since I am the only one managing the marketing clients. The remaining 10% would go to the other partners.

Male1 said it would be difficult to record this in the books and hard to claim as a subsidiary. He suggested either my shares be diluted to 10% or I receive a commission every time I pitch a client through my marketing efforts, which Male2 said would be unfair to me.

I have an idea that we could create a different entity associated with the partnership, with the income still split 90-10.

I don't understand why Male1 wants me to be restricted to the partnership alone. I need funds and have promised to prioritize getting clients. I'm stressed out, to be honest.

We’re only starting up and are not yet legalized.

What are your thoughts or advice?