Running a Small Business with a Chronic Illness
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and My Transition to Online Business
I’m Jess, and I’ve been living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) since I was a teenager. Throughout my 20s, I powered through working in the fast-paced world of marketing and events. But in 2019, my health worsened to the point that I realised traditional employment wasn’t sustainable for me.
I was tired of constantly calling in sick and never performing at my best. That’s when I made the decision to leave the corporate world and start my own online business. It was a way to take control of my time, but the reality of running a business while managing a chronic illness was much harder than I anticipated.
The Reality of Running a Business when living with a Stoma Bag
After surgery, I took 12 weeks off from my business. It was terrifying, but it taught me that stepping away doesn’t mean everything falls apart.
Yes, there are days when I look down and freak out about carrying around a bag of sh*t. But my stoma has massively improved my quality of life. It’s also made me realise that it’s okay to prioritise my health and take breaks when I need them.
Living with IBD and Transitioning to an Online Business
On any given day, I’d find myself running to the bathroom upwards of 30 times. I’d often balance my laptop on my knees, answering emails or working on projects from the toilet. As someone with chronic illness, I felt I had to work ten times harder than everyone else.
In October 2022, things reached a breaking point. My large intestine failed, leading to emergency surgery, where I got a stoma bag. This surgery was life-changing for me, not only for my health but also for my business.
How I Manage My Business with Less Time
Running a small business with a chronic illness requires extra thought and planning. My body doesn’t always give me the luxury of a full workday, so I’ve become an expert at working smarter, not harder.
Because I have limited time, every moment I give to a client or project holds immense value. I’ve created systems that allow me to get days of work done in hours, which means I can take last-minute time off if my health demands it.
If you’re a small business owner navigating life with a chronic illness, I want to help. I’ve designed my marketing membership, The Content Club, to offer support, flexibility, and valuable insights to people just like you.
Join The Content Club: Special Offer for Business Owners with Chronic Illnesses
If you’re a small business owner dealing with a chronic illness, I’m offering a special discount on my marketing membership, The Content Club. Just send me an email with the subject line ‘CHRONIC BIZ BADDIE’ at jess@jessicalsophiabruno.co.uk, and let’s chat about how I can help you grow your business while managing your health.
