I used to love my job. Working in a small business meant every day was different, and I liked the challenge. But over time, what I loved started to wear me down. The excitement turned into exhaustion. What started as a job I was passionate about became a never-ending list of tasks, impossible quotas, and the feeling that no matter how much I did, it was never enough. Small businesses rely on their employees to do a little bit of everything. Unlike bigger companies where each role is clearly defined, small businesses operate on the idea that everyone pitches in wherever needed. That sounds great in theory, but in reality, it means juggling five different jobs at once. You get hired for one role, but before you know it, you're managing social media, handling billing, troubleshooting IT issues, and juggling customer service, all at the same time.

My boss had big dreams, which meant high expectations. More sales, more calls, more projects. It didn’t matter if I met my goals because the next day, the target moved even further. There was no sense of accomplishment, just an endless cycle of trying to keep up. At first, I didn’t mind. I liked being the go-to person, the one who could handle it all. But then the stress started creeping in. Late nights became normal. Weekends weren’t for resting; they were just extra days to catch up. My personal life suffered. My mental health suffered. Worst of all, I stopped caring about the work.

I knew I was burnt out, but in a small business, taking a step back isn’t easy. There’s no backup plan. If I didn’t do it, who would? That pressure, along with the fear of letting my boss down, kept me pushing forward until I couldn’t anymore. The thing is small business owners don’t always see what’s happening. They’re caught up in growing the business, making ends meet, and chasing success. They don’t realize how much weight they’re putting on their employees. But burnout isn’t just bad for the person experiencing it—it’s bad for the business too. Overworked employees lose motivation, stop being creative, and eventually leave for something better.

So, what’s the solution?

First, set realistic expectations. It’s okay to have big goals, but not at the expense of your employees’ sanity. Not everything is an emergency, and not every deadline has to be a race.

Second, respect work-life balance. Just because a small business needs flexibility doesn’t mean people should be on call 24/7. Encourage breaks, set reasonable hours, and remember that rest is just as important as work.

Third, hire help when it’s needed. If one person is handling multiple jobs, it’s only a matter of time before they burn out. High turnover is expensive, and constantly training new people takes more time and energy than just hiring enough staff in the first place.

And finally, communicate. Employees should feel comfortable talking about their workload without worrying about being seen as lazy or ungrateful.

I wish I had spoken up sooner. Maybe if I had, I wouldn’t have reached my breaking point. But if you’re a business owner reading this, don’t wait until your employees burn out. Pay attention. Show appreciation. Take care of your team, and they’ll take care of your business. If you’re the one feeling overwhelmed, know that your health matters more than your job. Set boundaries, take breaks, and don’t let a paycheck cost you your well-being. No job is worth losing yourself over.