Entrepreneurs/Business Owners with RA
I'm a retired MD after 30 wonderful years, now an entrepreneur with an executive wellness coaching practice. So far, so good - although my business is still pretty new at 2 years in. THEN, this year, I wound up diagnosed with RA and there is so much to learn with this(!)
The fatigue factor is enormous, as I have read from so many here. I’m learning to catch my first signs of this deep and almost painful fatigue we tend to get, and then just stop what I’m doing and just lie this body down. 15 to 30 minutes will often do it and I can get going again, sometimes I need more.
If I try to “power through” it’s no good at all. The whole day winds up in the heap. That seems so opposite to how I’ve always worked!
Fortunately, for those of us who work from home, we do get a few breaks’, compared to those employed by others. I’m my own boss so nobody to explain this to. I’m pretty social at work but most of this is on zoom these days, so that’s another break. I guess we can “do whatever we want” at work, but then there is that bottom line.
For those of us who are entrepreneurs/business owners, we’re responsible for everything, aren’t we? We’re the only ones to bring earnings in. A certain kind of pressure all its own.
Anyone here entrepreneurs or business owners? I’ll bet you’ve learned some tricks to share!
The biggest piece of advice I can give business owners: MENTOR YOUR EMPLOYEES. The goal has to be to let THEM do the hard work....and you direct from the sidelines. Not because we're lazy...but because we are simply not superman.
That sure sounds smart. The executive approach works well, although the boss has got to be thinking always. Now, when it comes to those of us with our own businesses and no employees it might mean we need to hire a few things out. Thanks for great idea!
, I think this is a great question and a really important one, too. I am in no way an expert, but I find keeping a priority list helps me maximize my time and energy. As in, I always have a list of tasks with the most important/necessary/time sensitive ones at the top. That way, when I have the time/energy, I don't waste my efforts trying to figure out what to do first. I just work down the list.
Also, I will farm out work when necessary, if something is too far outside my skill set (doing taxes) or is a task that someone else could do just as well or better than me (taxes 😉, running to the post office, etc ). I know that's not always possible when you are the CEO/sole employee, but it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Thanks for starting this conversation! I think it's a great topic to discuss.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Anyone who has a business has probably had to struggle with managing business and household chores. If you're the one cleaning the house - hire someone. Too much money? Then barter services. Eliminating some of those household chores is such a gift. You're worth it. Do it. 😀
Thanks, Erin! let's keep it going 😊
