Balancing Business and Caregiving: Lessons from someone who didn't always get it right!

I've spent years helping businesses streamline operations, manage projects, and implement strategic change. ?

But nothing could fully prepare me for the challenges of stepping into a new role: family caregiver. ?

2024 was the year I found myself balancing the responsibilities of running my business with the personal and emotional demands of looking after my mum & dad . ?

This is not a story unique to me; thousands of adults across the world?are balancing work and caregiving. ?

In fact, according to the AARP, more than 53 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult or child. And while my professional experience in project management and leadership has equipped me with many tools, this transition brought new challenges I hadn’t encountered before. ?

Challenges I had to navigate alone - from working with health professionals who are doing their best to apply a human approach to a ‘care package’, to dealing with unimaginable bureaucracy when the end finally comes.

Little did I know I didn’t need to do this alone, there are people?available to help.?

Annalee Kruger, founder of Care Right, Inc., is one of those people, she runs a company that provides family caregiving consulting services. ?

Her expertise in navigating the complexities of long-term caregiving is invaluable, and together, we've explored how professionals like me can successfully balance the demands of caregiving while continuing to lead thriving businesses.?

I just wish I had found her sooner!

The Emotional Weight of Caregiving?

The emotional aspect of caregiving is often overlooked, especially when you're used to being in a professional, problem-solving mindset. Running my business requires focus, structure, and strategy. ?

But caregiving, especially for a loved one, brings an entirely different set of emotions - guilt, worry, frustration, and even sadness. These feelings can easily bleed into your work if you're not careful.?

Annalee often speaks about the importance of recognizing these emotions and finding outlets for them. Whether it's through journaling, therapy, or simply talking to someone who understands, it's essential to process what you're feeling.

You can't pour from an empty cup, and taking care of yourself emotionally is the first step in being both a good caregiver and a good business leader.?

Time Management Strategies?

As a fractional consultant, my ability to juggle multiple clients and projects is crucial. However, caregiving added an entirely new layer to time management.

Suddenly, my well-organized schedule was disrupted by medical appointments, emergency calls, and unexpected caregiving duties.?

??

Here’s what worked for me:?

1. Set Clear Boundaries: It became essential to set strict boundaries between work time and caregiving time. I had to be upfront with clients, letting them know that there would be times when I’d need to step away unexpectedly.

Every single one of them were understanding - especially since many of them have been in similar situations.?

2. Leverage Flexibility: One of the benefits of fractional consulting is the flexibility it offers. If you're self-employed, you likely have more control over your schedule. Use this to your advantage.

I have global clients who I could speak to when my dad was napping or attending appointments.?

3. Outsource When Possible: Both in business and caregiving, you don't have to do everything yourself. Just as I delegate business tasks when necessary, I’ve also learned to seek help with caregiving. From hiring part-time care to arranging meal deliveries, outsourcing can help lighten the load.

Annalee emphasizes that caregiving doesn’t have to be a solo mission—there are resources and services available to provide relief when needed.?

Support Systems Matter?

Running a business can be lonely at times, but caregiving can feel isolating in a completely different way.

You’re not only managing physical and emotional tasks but also carrying the mental load of your family member’s well-being.?

Annalee's expertise highlights the importance of having a caregiving plan and involving family members, even those who may not be physically present. This resonated deeply with me. ?

Much like I rely on a network of professionals to run my business, I needed to build a caregiving team around me - family, friends, professional caregivers, and even legal and financial advisors.?

It’s also vital to join communities of people who understand what you're going through.? The empathy, shared experiences, and advice are invaluable.???

Financial and Legal Considerations?

Another critical aspect Annalee emphasizes is the importance of planning - particularly financial and legal planning. Caregiving, especially long-term, comes with costs that can quickly add up. ?

In my business, I’m used to preparing detailed financial forecasts, and I applied the same mindset to caregiving. It was essential to have a clear picture of medical expenses, care costs, and any financial implications for my loved ones.?

Annalee's work at Care Right has been instrumental in helping families plan ahead, offering guidance on elder care options, navigating the costs of care, and preparing for long-term care.

These considerations are crucial not just for peace of mind but also to ensure that business finances stay on track while caregiving responsibilities increase.?

Final Thoughts: It's All About Balance?

Balancing caregiving with business is not easy, but it is possible.

Through proper planning, time management, and emotional support, you can find a rhythm that works for both. ?

Collaboration with experts like Annalee Kruger at Care Right is invaluable in helping navigate these challenges. Her expertise offers family caregivers?the tools and support needed to thrive, both in our personal and professional lives.?

And being part of a community like we're sponsoring through Greenlight Partners (Fractional Consulting Experts) is invaluable - both professionally and personally.

For those who find themselves in a similar situation, know that it’s okay to ask for help – I didn’t ask soon enough!?

Balancing business and caregiving might feel like walking a tightrope, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to continue doing meaningful work while caring for your loved ones.?

If you're like to know more, Annalee is hosting a Livestream on Monday 7th October 2024 @1pm BST

You can join in by clicking here

Or, even better, why not join the community and get all the support you need to navigate this and many other challenges you'll face as a business owner