Work life balance

[Joelle]

Hey friends, I am a 55 yo female, working part-time and studying as well.  My partner owns and runs a business, with some help from a casual staff member.  His work is demanding and very high-level (high pressure construction etc), and he really is just drowning in work.  I have suggested that he looks at different work, but he is adamant that there is 'no way out' of his situation, and that he just has to get on top of his workload and everything will be alright.  In saying that, he's been 'getting on top of the workload' for about ten years now.  He has no weekends, and complains that life is boring and almost insufferable, but does not seem to be able to facilitate change in any aspect.  I think maybe the thought of having to go through processes for change are just too overwhelming and tiring, so it's easier to stay put.  We also have a second business, which is where my part-time work is.  If we decide to make a change, it will have to be a big one, as we have a large amount of debt on the businesses.  Thanks for reading.  

[ipanda]

Hi @Joelle! Welcome!

You're a very good partner, you are worried about him and wants what is best for both of you. That's a sweet gesture.

I presumably that he is drowning in work because of the debts and maybe he is scared to started over and doesn't have the same income and get in more depts.

How do you feel about the financial situation? Do you feel that is possible to make a change that doesn't affect financially? How is the plans for retirement?

You don't need to answer the questions if you don't want to. Maybe just think about how he feels.

Hope you're taking care of yourself as well!

[Sugarshack]

Hi @Joelle that sounds like a doozy of a situation because you're both kinda going in different directions while the business supports both of you? Is there any option to get another employee to help your husband bring home the money, or can you raise your income by working in field of study before graduating? 

I say this as I work in Construction and it's a ruthless game with a lot of 'lost energy' quoting, negotiating, renegotiating, fixing problems every single day and competing against undercutters and people who cut corners on health and safety or use organised crime tactics to make life hard for other businesses.

As retirement looms are you guys ready to retire or is it a case of NEEDING to bring in the bucks as those twilight years loom? I dont know your partner but it seems he's working or working too hard to try and cover all bases, to bring home the biscuits, to stay afloat and to support your lifestyle of study etc. That would be a hard load to carry there's no easy money out there and people are using ruthless tactics to fight for scraps. Is there any way you can sell some assets etc, downsize housing, increase passive income or any other way to increase profit line?

And doing that while staying to the old normal life and self care routines that keep us sane and grounded....!

[SchizOttie]

Counselling was the answer for me where I got advised about other options related to my career after sharing my CV/Financial position/Dependents/ and more...

Once I heard about her options, It widened my view and I was better placed at taking future decisions!