I’ve joined my family’s 100-year-old legacy business, and I’m the first woman to do so. Lately, I’ve been struggling with family members who seem to have nothing better to do than complain about me. I keep hearing that they are badmouthing me and telling everyone that everything I’m doing is wrong, even that I have no claim to the business- my literal legacy. One cousin even told me I was better off when I was naive and lacked confidence because I never stood up for myself. I have worked hard to build strength and resilience, but some people around me seem determined to chip away at it. Other family members tell me to stay quiet and not respond, but I feel conflicted. I want to protect my space and my confidence, but I also want to handle this in a way that doesn’t create unnecessary conflict. How do I navigate being true to myself while dealing with family members who refuse to support me?
@heretostayknowsbest
Hello sis, firstly I read your post and I want to say a bigggg congrats on your determination and hard work to continue the 100 yr old legacy of your family! What an achievement. I have faced criticism from family not in a business sense but more from a life choices way. I want you to know after reading your words, that this business is YOUR legacy too. Please remember that no one can take that away from you. It also belongs to you as much as it does to anyone else in your family. And honestly no amount of gossip or criticism changes that hard, cold truth. I advise you to keep showing up with confidence (even if you have to fake it sometimes) and go ahead and let your actions speak for themselves. You got this sis.
Honestly speaking I think family can bring out emotions that are really hard to manage. At the end of the day remember that not every comment deserves your energy or your time. There are some people and yes even family, that just cant stand to see you speaking up for yourself and your ideas. Moving forward I think you should seriously save your strength for the times that really matter and let the rest pass you by. You are only draining yourself my friend, and they don’t deserve the satisfaction.
Hey heretostayknowsbest. Look, I know some of the other amazing women who commented had some great advice and motivations. But I wanted to also tell you that sometimes you just don’t have to engage with the BS. If your family member speaks against you, well you dont always have to prove them wrong. You wont even need to say a word because all of your actions and hard work will do that. You can still be confident and true to yourself and it doesn’t mean you have to fight every battle. xx
Hi girl, from 1 female owner to another, I totally echo and agree with what other women have said on this post. I was an employee for many years before I ventured out on my own. I do miss the days where I could complete my to do list, shut off my brain and walk out the door. An extended holiday would be nice as well but I just don’t have the time or energy to entertain bad vibes and negative energy. You probably dont either. You know whats best for the business…and if some things dont work out…it’s all learning and growing. I am behind you girl.
Dear heretostayknowsbest, I am the owner of a business that everyone said would fail and would be a waste of time. I quit my job working in banking in the UK and decided to put my all into it. These family members are toxic. From my solo journey, I used to be terrified of failing and proving them right but all you really need to do is to appreciate the impact and value you are creating not just the output. If you do that you won’t see it as “failure” it’s just “experience”. Please don’t Forget this ❤️
Thank you for sharing this with us. it cant have been easy to write, especially when it concerns family members. Also, I would advise you to try and establish strong, firm boundaries for your own emotional protection, I know its not easy. oh and build a strong support system outside the family unit, its a lifesaver xx
I have this habit of cutting everyone off who doesnt serve me, uplift me or want the best for me. I know you want to keep things peaceful, but please keep in mind that sometimes keeping the peace can cost you your own inner peace. Choose wisely and always choose yourself!!!
omgggg this is the truth, I love when you say keeping the peace will cost you your own peace sometimes. its so true!!
I like your honest truth but I wanted to ask, if you cut off those around you for the reasons you stated, arent you afraid of being alone? I just dont think I would be able to do it because everyone around me doesnt always uplift me or serve me but then again isnt that how it is in life?