Entrepreneurship, Medicaid & Mental Health pt.1

For People Like Me

I’m a millennial entrepreneur, moving my loved one over 3,000 miles to my home state. I love my family and want to be there for them, and there are only so many hours in the day, and sometimes it feels impossible to get everything done.

I’m constantly asking myself, and my therapist, “How can I keep my business, stay sane, and still make sure I show up they way I want for my family?” I feel pulled in every direction and I’m learning it is possible to manage both. I don’t have to choose between my career and my loved ones. I just need to prioritize, plan, and get help when I need it. Let me break it down.

“I Don’t Want to Let Anyone Down”

Here are a few things that come up for me when I think about “letting people down”:

1. I’m selfish — I’m an entrepreneur with a flexible schedule — the loved one putting demands on my time is retired. It’s the least I can do considering the circumstances.
2. I’m angry — I have a loved one that tends to make me feel guilty for not putting my life on hold to prioritize their needs.
3. I’m confused — I’m the unofficial alternate for my loved one’s care, the primary can’t…or is it that they won’t…?
4. I’m tired — I have a depressive disorder that makes it necessary for me to get enough rest. When I don’t rest, I crash. When I crash, things get bad.

All of these reasons are real. They are actual scenarios that I am either currently negotiating or have recently negotiated. I know the fear of letting people down. I get it. I want to be there for my family, and the thought of asking for help or delegating feels like admitting defeat. But here’s the thing I’m learning: I can’t pour from an empty cup. If I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to take care of anyone else.

3 Practical Steps to Balance my Life and Caregiving

I’m keeping it simple and practical. I’m not going to overhaul my life to make things work better — I’ll make just a few small adjustments that can go a long way.

1. I Created a Schedule (and Stick to It)

My entrepreneurial flex is that I stick to my schedule, it’s how I stay well for my team and my clients. A solid plan is my best friend. I block off specific times for work, caregiving, and personal time, just like I would for meetings or deadlines. This way, I know exactly what’s on my plate each day, and it keeps the overwhelm at bay.

I use a shared calendar with my family if others are involved in caregiving, and communicate my schedule with my team too. AND, it’s okay for me to set boundaries about when I’m unavailable. Most people are more understanding than I think — especially when I’m upfront about my situation.

2. I’m Asking for Help (Without Feeling Guilty)

I can’t do it all, and I don’t have to. Whether it’s hiring professional help, asking close friends or other family members to pitch in, or using community resources, it’s okay to delegate!

3. I’m Taking a Break (it’s okay!)

This feels incredibly counter intuitive, since I feel like I’m drowning in tasks, but taking a break is crucial for me. Today, I took a couple of 15-minute walks and a power nap to recharge. In a few days, I’ll head off to a cabin in the woods to write and recharge in the mountain air. It’s not about being lazy or avoidant; it’s about recharging so I can show up as my best self — for my business and my loved ones.

And I can’t forget my personal passions and hobbies-whether it’s crocheting, reading, training my puppy or traveling, those moments of “me-time” are essential for my mental health. I’m blessed to write part of this series from a beautiful cabin in the smoky mountains with my two best friends for a long weekend that I’ve been praying for for quite some time. I almost decided to travel las tminute out of town, abandon my schedule, rush prepping for this trip and show up too tired and on the verge of a breakdown. But I decided to stick to what I knew was best for me and prioritize my wellness.

Confession: I STILL Feel Overwhelmed!

You might be thinking, That sounds great, but what if I’ve tried all of this and still feel overwhelmed? I get it — there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. And sometimes, it’s about fine-tuning the approach and recognizing when it’s time to call in reinforcements. In my experience, having a plan, knowing where to find resources, and giving myself grace is where the real game-changer happens.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. So many of us are walking this tightrope between career and caregiving, and while it’s tough, it’s also possible to find a balance that works for you. It’s about managing time, asking for help, and taking care of yourself.