Working With Chronic Illness: Boundaries, Burnout & Building a Business That Works For You
Come closer and settle in for this one. I’m about to get real with ya’ll.
Running a business is tough. Running a business while managing a chronic illness? That’s a whole other level. It’s like juggling fire—with one hand tied behind your back—on three hours’ sleep.
I’ve lived it. I am living it.
For those who don’t know, I live with MS. Some days I feel okay-ish, some days I feel like I could conquer the world, and other days… well, I don’t even make it out of bed. There’s no predictability, no consistency, and definitely no magic pill to “push through.” But over the years, I’ve learned how to stop fighting that reality and start building around it instead.
And if you’re someone navigating chronic illness while trying to grow a business, here’s what I want you to know: you get to do it differently—and still do it brilliantly.
Boundaries Aren’t a Luxury—They’re Survival
For years, I felt guilty saying no. I overbooked myself, took on work I shouldn’t have, replied to emails at 1am because I didn’t want to “fall behind.” But the truth? The only thing I was falling into was burnout.
Now, boundaries are my non-negotiables.
💥 I don’t do face-to-face meetings during certain treatment windows or times of the year.
💥 I communicate clearly with clients about when I’m available.
💥 I’ve automated systems that used to drain my energy.
And guess what? The right clients totally get it. The wrong ones don’t—and they’re not my people anyway.
Your Pace Is Powerful
We live in a culture obsessed with hustle, speed, and glorifying exhaustion. But when you’re dealing with fatigue, pain, or just the unpredictability of chronic illness, that model is a recipe for collapse.
So I built my own version of “success.” One that factors in rest. Flexibility. Time off when my body says “nope.”
Slower isn’t lesser. Your pace can be powerful if you’re clear about your direction and intentional with your energy.
Tools That Help Me Stay Sane(ish)
Trello – I track client work, ideas, and daily energy levels.
Calendly – Clients book in around my availability (not the other way around).
Voice notes – On low-energy days, I skip typing and talk things out.
Automations – Emails, social content, onboarding—all streamlined so I don’t have to do it all manually.
I also have a killer team that steps in when I need to rest. That didn’t happen overnight, but asking for help was a game-changer. You don’t have to do it all.
Mindset Shift: You’re Not Broken
The biggest transformation didn’t come from tools or systems—it came from finally deciding I wasn’t broken.
My business doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. My path is allowed to curve, pause, re-route. I’m allowed to be successful and take care of myself.
Actually, I insist on it.
If you’re navigating business and chronic illness, know this: you are not alone. You’re not failing because your body has limits. You’re not lazy. You’re not less than.
You’re doing something incredible—and you deserve a business that supports you, not the other way around.
If you ever want to talk, brainstorm, or be held accountable by someone who truly gets it—I’m here. No fluff, no judgment, just real, honest support.