Stuck in a Family Business: How to Navigate Overwork and Underpayment

Navigating the complexities of family businesses can be a daunting challenge. At just 21 years old, I find myself in a situation that feels overwhelming and unsustainable. A few years ago, my father embarked on creating a family business, investing his own resources to acquire the necessary equipment. Believing in our vision, I left college after my first year to dedicate myself fully to this endeavor.

Fast forward to today, and I’m the sole individual managing the day-to-day operations. My role encompasses everything—from production and sales to marketing, customer service, and fulfillment. The only contribution from my dad consists of ordering raw materials, a task he often neglects due to procrastination. This leads to persistent delays that ultimately fall on my shoulders, affecting our company’s reputation and performance.

Recently, my father left his job with the promise of focusing on the business, but his involvement has been minimal at best. Instead of lending a hand, he seems to rely completely on me to develop this family enterprise. Unfortunately, he doesn’t hesitate to criticize our financial situation and the timeliness of our projects, often expressing disappointment over our earnings or the pace of progress. This has become a source of verbal distress for me, especially since I’ve repeatedly communicated my need for assistance. I’m managing five machines on my own every day—an exhausting and demanding feat.

Adding to the stress, my compensation amounts to a mere $1,000 per month for an estimated 50 to 60 hours of work each week. Living at home, I’m financially dependent on my parents, all while the business incurs monthly operational costs of around $9,500, despite only generating approximately $6,000 in revenue. The financial strain feels suffocating, especially as I bear the full weight of the business’s challenges without any equity or benefits.

I am passionate about the work and genuinely believe in the potential of what we’re building together. However, the pressure and emotional toll are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. I’m caught in a conflict where I don’t want to abandon something I’ve invested so much into, yet I also recognize that this unsustainable pattern cannot continue.

I’m reaching out for insight from others who might have faced similar dilemmas, particularly in family-run businesses where expectations are misaligned and communication can be challenging. How can I navigate this situation without jeopardizing my mental health or straining my relationship with my parents?