Up next on our Work and Wealth Watch series, where money coach Luca Caruana gives his expert responses to all your questions related to money, work and wealth, we explore the delicate topic of work-life balance
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Dear Luca,
I’ve been a Chief Executive Officer for the last six years, and while I have built a highly successful business.
You see when I was young, living in a family where parents always struggled to make ends meet, making as much money as possible was always my dream. And now, I can proudly say that I achieved that, and can even look forward at a life where money is no longer an issue.
However, I have to admit, this is coming at a cost, which is losing control over my personal life.
The combination of constant pressure to deliver results, the never-ending stream of emails, and the long hours in the office have taken their toll. I cannot remember the last time I had dinner with my family and did not check my phone – in fact, even when I try to stay at home, I am still entirely preoccupied with work.
I have achieved so much, but something still feels wrong – I am always tired, and my interactions with people around me have been deteriorating. My wife and I do not communicate like we used to any more, and my children barely know when I’m around because I’m always either at the office or mentally elsewhere.
I have always been ambitious and determined to achieve greatness, but I do now have to wonder – at what cost? Having spent the last five years ignoring my body and never engaging in any physical activity, I often feel as though even sleep is a luxury. The worst part is, I am not even sure how to take a step back – is there even a way for a businessman to run a successful business without ruining their health and personal life in the process?
Best regards,
Ambitious and Exhausted
Luca’s Response:
Dear Ambitious and Exhausted,
I understand your struggle deeply, especially when financial success has been a lifelong goal shaped by your childhood experience. Growing up in a household where money was tight often creates an intense drive to make as much as possible, and you’ve achieved that. It’s commendable that you’ve built such a successful business, and even more so that money is no longer a concern. But now, you’re recognising the other side of success—the hidden costs that often go unspoken.
The exhaustion you’re feeling isn’t just physical; it’s the mental load of constantly being “on,” which makes it difficult to enjoy even the moments when you’re at home. I can relate when you say that your family is starting to feel distant, that your wife and children barely see you even when you’re physically present. The toll on personal relationships can be overwhelming, and you’ve reached a point where you’re asking the crucial question: At what cost?
Financial success should be empowering, not draining. But what you’re experiencing is financial stress. Yes, even those who are financially secure can feel it, because it’s not just about the money—it’s about the relentless pursuit of more and the fear of losing control. And this is where financial wellbeing comes in. It’s not just having money; it’s having the freedom to live without constant stress about it. Your success has reached a point where it’s time to recalibrate, focusing not just on financial growth but on your health and relationships, too.
One of the first steps is to reevaluate your financial priorities. You’ve made enough to secure your future, but are you still pushing for more because of habit? Sometimes, what drives us is more the fear of losing what we’ve built rather than a genuine need for more. Take a look at where your money is going—is it adding value to your life, or is it just maintaining an image? Lifestyle inflation, where your spending grows along with your income, can feel like it’s out of your control, but it’s often just a matter of reassessing what’s truly important.
You might also consider delegating more. As a CEO, I’m sure you’re aware of the benefits of empowering your team, but you need to trust them more with the day-to-day tasks. This doesn’t just help lighten your load—it allows you to step back from the constant grind, refocus on the bigger picture, and reconnect with your family. Delegating can be hard when you’ve built something from the ground up, but you’ve reached a stage where letting go of certain responsibilities will not only benefit your business but also your personal life.
Then if we consider your health, without a doubt the long-term costs of neglecting your body, skipping sleep, and ignoring mental health can end up far outweighing any financial gain. I would encourage you to start treating your health with the same level of importance as a business deal. Regular exercise, better sleep, and even time for hobbies aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities if you want to keep performing at a high level. And when you feel physically better, your energy for both work and family life will improve.
I hope all this helps!
Luca
The Money Coach, from the Money Coaching Hub
CEO & Founder of Monipal
Measure your Money Health in 1 Minute: https://moneycoachluca.scoreapp.com/
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