What part of your life is suffering? Did Stassi Schroeder say the quiet part out loud?
Have you watched House of Stassi? It’s a reality show on Hulu featuring the life, friends, and family of Stassi Schroeder which you may know from Vanderpump Rules.
During the first episode of her new show, Stassi hosts a panel at an event by Alex Cooper, host of the wildly popular Call Her Daddy podcast.
Meeting before the event the two women hug and the first words out of Stassi’s mouth are:
“You have to tell me what part of your life is suffering. I know part of your life is suffering. I’m a horrible friend, shit sister, husband wishes I had sex more.”
She’s been dying to know if Cooper, the best selling author, podcaster, Youtube show host, owner of the Unwell brand, and star of her own show Call Her Alex, is also struggling as her career continues to soar.
Cooper looks shocked, but immediately admits, “My health is bad.”
Stassi, the reality tv alum, podcast host, best selling author herself, shares two kids under 10 with her husband. Throughout the season they struggle with their work / life balance, him returning to work after staying home with the kids, while their family and friends attempt to help.
While Stassi’s question sounds like a plea to not be the only one, it’s a question most women growing their own businesses will end up asking.
Which part of my life is going to fall through the cracks at the next level of success?
Mine was my mental health. I girlbossed too long and too hard and ended up losing two years to burnout and finding out I have ADHD.
Like Stassi and Alex, I’m the boss. I make the rules and pick the schedule and say yes to projects. Without knowing I had an ADHD brain I let my ideas run wild and followed every path that sounded possible.
I loaded my schedule and overwhelmed myself unnecessarily for YEARS. And I LOVED IT.
Gen Z appears to have a better expectation of balance in both the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. As an elder millennial it took way too long for me to feel comfortable taking time off during the week when I’m literally working at home alone.
So how do we stop having to ask this question and how do we make the answers less detrimental?
After an intense season of burnout I cannot hustle. Projects I blasted through in a week now take months. I create soft deadlines and I don’t announce them. Launching the new website design took an extra month because I avoided pushing myself and refused to work nights or weekends.
Whenever possible I delegate tasks that don’t require my brain. Someone else could be better at answering customer support emails, editing podcast episodes, or creating graphics. At home we pay for grocery delivery and a meal prep service to get those hours back for other things.
I’m curious to know how this challenge shows up in other people’s businesses.
Is your health, friendships, or housework falling through the cracks? What are you doing to create support and boundaries before you hit that next level? What’s something small you can start today?
