How to Deal with Grief & Run a Business at the Same Time
And just like that. . .we find ourselves at the end of March and the end of first quarter 2022. For me, it’s been a difficult and challenging month since my Dad passed away on March 7th. Grieving, dealing with an estate 150 miles away, while also managing to keep my business going has been exhausting to say the least. So many wonderful people back in my hometown of Argenta have been a tremendous help and continue to provide great support. I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude.
But back to my business. . .I needed help on how other Business Owners work through the grieving process while keeping the business going, especially in the case of solopreneurs. I began searching the Internet and found a great article titled, “How to Deal with Grief & Run a Business at the Same Time” on https://www.searchenginejournal.com. I would like to share some excerpts that truly spoke to me in hopes that if you ever find yourself in this situation, it will provide you with guidance and peace. Click here to read the entire article.
How to Deal with Grief & Run a Business at the Same Time
“Here are some things I’ve learned about managing grief while running a business.
1. Accept That There Are Days Where You Won’t Get Things Done
We might as well start by ripping off a Band-Aid. A common thread I’ve heard from people who I’ve talked to that share grief over losing a close loved one is that it’s hard to get back in the groove with work. I get it. There are some days where I have absolutely no motivation to do anything – even though I know things are due or that I could be using my time to get ahead. I have to ask clients for forgiveness in these moments. I know that they understand, but I hate to be this way. There are some days where I’m just not feeling creative and I need a certain level of that to get the day’s tasks done.
2. Get Out of the House
If you work from home most days, this is probably a good tip for you in general. But it’s especially useful when you’re stuck in your own head about things that are completely out of your control. A new environment shakes things up a bit, distracting you from your normal thoughts. A new environment can help you feel positive when you’re drowning in negative thoughts.
3. Find People Who Understand What You’re Going Through
I’ve been doing a lot of leaning on others lately. I’m so lucky to have amazing friends and family – including my wonderful fiancé. Most of my peers haven’t dealt with this type of grief before. That said, I’ve been very lucky to have found support from friends and even clients. It’s just nice to know you aren’t alone. Other people can’t take away your pain, but talking to those who know what it’s like may help you to find ways to manage it and process your feelings.
4. Set Expectations with Clients
Type A to a fault, one of the first things I did after my dad died was to email clients with projects in progress and let them know that we’d have to push out due dates. I didn’t want them to think that I was ignoring them or lazy – I wanted them to know the truth.
Doing this gave me the time and space to help my mom in the weeks after my dad passed. It helped me start to process what happened. I probably needed more time off than what I gave myself, but it’s more than the average corporate employee would have gotten. I’m grateful that my business enabled me to be there when I was most needed.
Everyone processes grief differently. Once you’ve had the awful experience of losing a loved one, you’ll get why it’s so debilitating. I hope that what I’ve shared can help you if you’re dealing with a similar situation. I know that I don’t have it all completely right, but I learn something new every day.”
Parting thoughts. . .One thing I’ve learned through this process so far is to give yourself grace. Grief can cause a clouded mind and everything you do may not be perfect, but as long as you are moving forward give yourself credit for all you have accomplished.
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In Memory of John C. Pedigo July 6, 1935 – March 7, 2022
John served in various capacities on several agricultural boards. He served as the Director of Friends Creek Township and Board Member for the Macon County Farm Bureau; the Macon County Soil & Water Conservation District, as well at the Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service (ASCS). He was a Board Member for Corn Belt FS for many years and served as President for 14 years. John & Pat were active members of the Macon County Farm Bureau Prime Timers group enjoying many travels with good friends.
He was very involved in the Argenta community as a member of the AO Civic Club; a member and trustee of the Argenta Presbyterian Church; and the President/founding member of Prairie Park. A true gentleman who valued integrity and honesty in every action. A strong, quiet leader who always wore a smile to brighten up everyone’s day.
The family would like to thank the Pulmonologists, Cardiac Specialists, and Nurses at Memorial Health in Decatur for their care and support, along with everyone at Pulmonary Rehab.
Teresa A. Pedigo is the Owner & Founder of T.A. Pedigo & Associates, Inc. Teresa works with Business Owners and Entities to help them set goals, create action plans to reach those goals, and provides accountability to keep the owner on track to meet their goals.
