Running your own business comes with a sense of pride and freedom that’s hard to beat, but let’s be honest, it also comes with its fair share of sleepless nights. For many Irish business owners, the stress of staying afloat financially, managing cash flow and keeping staff and customers happy can take a serious toll on mental health.

In 2025, we’re seeing more entrepreneurs speak openly about burnout, anxiety and the emotional weight of running a company. It’s a conversation worth having because behind every business, a human being is trying their best.

Across Cork and beyond, many in the business community are feeling the weight of financial pressure, and it’s no surprise. Money and stress are deeply linked, especially when you’re the one responsible for keeping everything going. If you’re feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode, know this: you’re not alone, and support is out there.

The pressure of being the boss

Being your own boss sounds ideal, until you realise the buck really does stop with you. Whether it’s chasing late payments, trying to expand or weathering another unpredictable tax year, the financial pressures can mount quickly.

The issue? Many Irish business owners don’t feel comfortable talking about this stress. There’s a cultural expectation to keep going, no matter what. But ignoring the emotional impact of money worries can lead to burnout, relationship strain and in some cases, serious mental health challenges.

Signs of burnout to watch for

Burnout isn’t just about being tired, it’s a chronic state of emotional and physical exhaustion. Here are a few red flags:

• Feeling irritable or detached from your work

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue

• Avoiding financial conversations or bookkeeping tasks

• A creeping sense that you’re “not doing enough” (even when you are)

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to hit pause and reassess, not just for the health of your business, but for your own well-being too.

Money stress is normal but manageable

Feeling anxious about money doesn’t mean you’re bad at business. It means you’re human. Money and stress go hand in hand more often than people think.

But here’s the good news: the solution isn’t always about earning more; it’s about getting more clarity.

Often, just understanding your numbers, what’s coming in, what’s going out and what can be adjusted can take a huge weight off your shoulders.

Practical tips for protecting your mental health

• Talk to someone you trust, whether it be a fellow business owner, a mentor or even your accountant. You don’t have to carry the load alone.

• Set financial boundaries, whether that’s saying no to underpriced work, taking a deposit upfront or committing to regular bookkeeping.

• Take digital breaks, especially from late-night scrolling or doom-reading economic headlines.

• Outsource what drains you. A small investment in help can prevent big problems later.

• Know when to get professional support, a therapist or coach can help reframe your thinking and reduce overwhelm.

Remember, you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be honest with yourself, your numbers and what you need to thrive.

Read more: Are you paying yourself properly? A guide for small business owners