The First Year

The inaugural year of our business was a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges and learning opportunities. With no prior experience in entrepreneurship, we were unprepared for the hurdles ahead. We divided our roles: my husband focused on the hands-on tasks while I managed the finances and marketing. This was a cautious learning curve for me, as I had recently battled anxiety and needed to prioritize my mental well-being.

In trying to safeguard my own peace of mind, I hesitated to dive fully into our business. I remained a bystander while my husband navigated the turbulent waters of starting up. Unfortunately, my desire to avoid stress meant I couldn't provide the support he desperately needed.

Fast Forward 1.5 Years

Now in our second year, while things have stabilized, the pressure remains palpable. My husband is under significant stress to generate sufficient income for our family. As a stay-at-home mom, I haven't kept my skills sharp enough to re-enter the workforce at a high level, which leaves me with a minimum-wage job while he shoulders most of the financial burden. We committed to these roles when we married—me as the caregiver and him as the provider.

So, when I discovered my husband had applied for a city job this past May, I felt a wave of concern. Given that our business was holding its ground, why would he consider returning to the very job he had left? After a rigorous application process, we learned yesterday that he secured the city position. While the pay wasn't as high as anticipated, it comes with benefits and a pension—elements we currently lack. This new job promises a reliable income and stability, but it was also the day he shared his contemplation of taking it.

Anxiety Strikes

Since he broke the news, my anxiety has surged. I can't fathom why he would abandon all the effort and sacrifices we've made over the past two years. It's ironic that we find ourselves on opposite sides of this situation now.

Where do we go from here? My husband posed a question last night that I struggled to answer: "Why are you against this?" My response, rooted in emotion, is that it hurts deeply. The vision I had for this business is crumbling, and I feel powerless to mend it.

Ultimately, my husband is overwhelmed and unhappy with the demands of running the business. Although I believe things might improve in the future, he is facing the stress daily, fearing he won't be able to provide for our family. The trade industry is slow right now, and there are weeks when we have no jobs lined up. I have adapted more easily to this transition, which I believe influenced his decision.

So, what is my role? Should I mourn the business I never wanted? I must trust my husband to make the best choice for us. He plans to explore this new position, weigh its advantages and disadvantages, and then reassess. While I can support that decision, I don't fully agree with it. I believe we should invest everything into our business, but it's not fair to ask him to endure ongoing anxiety for my sake.

I wish I could transfer the coping skills I've acquired for managing anxiety, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental wellness. However, these lessons must be learned through experience. All I can do is model what I've learned, including trusting the process and letting go of what I cannot control.

The first video, "Want To Get Rich, Don't Start A Business (Do This Instead)" discusses alternative paths to financial success outside of entrepreneurship, which aligns with the struggles I've faced in managing our business.

The second video, "The Business We NEVER Wanted to Start..." shares insights into unexpected entrepreneurial journeys and highlights the emotional complexities involved, resonating with my own experience.