Article Limburg Entrepreneurship, December 2024.
"Entrepreneurs can call me if their relationship is going through a rough patch," Monique Rosier begins. From her practice in Maastricht, she has been counselling people with a wide range of issues, such as burnout, depression and grief, for over 17 years. In recent years, Monique has seen an increasing demand for counselling for relationship problems, including among entrepreneurs. For this reason, she focuses entirely on supporting couples who are struggling with the pressures of work and private life.
Relationships under pressure: a familiar entrepreneurial story
Monique has a special affinity with entrepreneurs. ‘I come from an entrepreneurial family myself, on both sides of the family. I know what it's like: hard work, long days, a great sense of responsibility, always living up to expectations. That can create a lot of pressure, especially when both partners work together in the business.’
She gives examples from her practice: 'Think of the baker and his wife who start work at night, or the director whose wife helps out and does the administration. Often, even at home, at the dinner table, the conversation is still about 'the business'. Or the doctor who works long hours, including shifts. This puts pressure on relationships.'
Self-employed professionals in the healthcare sector are also experiencing difficulties, Monique observes. 'The burden on them is significant, particularly if they are also managing a family with children. Striking a balance between work and personal life is a considerable challenge.'
Work 80%, children 15%, relationship 5%
During a conversation with clients, Monique heard about a painful division that often occurs among ambitious couples. ‘Your own business, a partner with a demanding job, and working on a promotion that includes studying. How do you divide your attention? The answer I got was confronting: work 80%, children 15%, relationship 5%.’
According to Monique, this is a reality that many entrepreneurs face. ‘But it should be the other way around,’ she says firmly. ‘The goal is to rearrange your priorities. When work takes over, everything suffers, including your relationship. By reconnecting and making conscious choices, you can create more balance.’
The lasting impact of coronavirus
Many entrepreneurs are still struggling with the 'aftereffects' of the coronavirus pandemic. 'During the pandemic, we all started working from home and doing business online. This is often praised, but it was and is not always fun. Having your own workspace at home seems nice, but the line between work and private life becomes blurred. As an entrepreneur, you are physically present at home, but not really 'present'. Want to look after the children for a while? That's often not possible, because you're constantly busy with work.'
In addition to practical challenges, Monique also sees the emotional impact. ‘Some entrepreneurs still have negative financial accounts to resolve. But often the burden is mainly non-financial. The constant pressure, the feeling of isolation and the changed work-life balance have been a heavy burden for many entrepreneurs. That has an impact on relationships.’
Recovery and connection
It is essential for entrepreneurs to take time for reflection and connection. ‘The dynamics of an entrepreneurial life can enrich relationships, but only if both partners feel heard and supported. It is never too late to start talking to each other again and restore the connection.’
Would you like to know more about Monique's coaching? Visit www.lecabinetmaastricht.com or make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation. Since 1 July, Monique has been based at Bredestraat 4 in Maastricht.
