Balancing Business, Marriage & Community Without Burning It All Down
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When Business Success Starts Costing You More Than It Gives
What happens when your business is thriving…
but your marriage, relationships, or personal life quietly start taking a hit?
That’s exactly what today’s guest, Megan Yelaney, and I unpack in this powerful and honest conversation.
Megan is a podcaster, speaker, and business mentor who helps women remodel their businesses so they support—not sabotage—their marriages, families, and real lives. Her work centers on helping women build successful businesses without losing themselves or the people they love along the way.
And friend—this episode is full of truth bombs.
Meet Megan Yelaney
Megan has been in the entrepreneurial world since 2011, starting in network marketing before evolving into health coaching and eventually business coaching.
Her journey mirrors what so many women experience:
- Learning business fundamentals in network marketing
- Experiencing rapid growth and financial success
- Realizing that “success” doesn’t always feel good behind the scenes
Today, Megan runs a million-dollar brand and hosts the Pretty Awkward Entrepreneur Podcast, where she has honest conversations about business, identity, marriage, and what it really takes to build a sustainable life and brand.
The Pivot That Changed Everything
At one point, Megan’s business was growing fast—really fast.
But it came at a cost.
Her marriage was struggling, and her business depended entirely on her. If she stepped away, everything stalled. She was exhausted, overworked, and emotionally disconnected—from herself and from her partner.
Eventually, Megan and her husband separated for six months.
That season forced her to ask some hard questions:
- What kind of business do I actually want to run?
- How do I want my life to feel—not just look?
- Is my business serving my family… or replacing it?
From there, she began a complete remodel of her business:
- Letting go of programs that required constant access to her
- Creating boundaries around availability
- Shifting toward evergreen offers instead of nonstop live launches
- Redefining success beyond income alone
The result?
A business that still thrives—but no longer consumes her life.
When Work Becomes an Unhealthy Coping Mechanism
One of the most important parts of this conversation was Megan’s honesty about how work can become a coping mechanism.
Yes—business can give you purpose, confidence, and momentum.
But it can also become a way to avoid:
- Difficult conversations
- Emotional processing
- Relationship challenges
Megan shared a powerful insight:
If your mood rises and falls solely based on how your business is doing, it’s time to pause and look closer.
Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. If your sense of worth is tied only to revenue, growth, or recognition, the lows can feel devastating.
True balance comes when your identity is bigger than your business.
How to Balance Business and Relationships (Without Guilt)
For the woman listening who knows something feels “off,” Megan shared a few practical starting points:
1. Have the Honest Conversation
Sit down with your partner (or loved ones) and explain:
- Why you’re building this business
- Where you want it to go
- How it supports your shared vision
When people understand the why, they’re far more likely to support the how.
2. Set Real Boundaries—and Keep Them
Not just “I’ll stop working at 6”… but actually:
- Putting your phone in another room
- Creating physical cues that separate work and home
- Removing temptations instead of relying on willpower
(Environment > motivation.)
3. Redefine Success
If your goal is simply “more,” pause and ask:
- More of what?
- At what cost?
- Does this version of success align with the life I want?
Sometimes scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing differently.
Building a Brand That Grows With You
One thing Megan has done incredibly well?
She’s pivoted industries—without losing her brand or community.
From network marketing → health coaching → business coaching, her brand has stayed rooted in:
- Her values
- Her personality
- Her bigger mission
Her advice?
Build your brand around who you are, not just what you sell.
When your brand is value-based instead of niche-boxed, it can evolve with you—without confusing your audience or burning everything down.
Podcasting as a Community-Building Tool
Megan also shared how her podcast became the heart of her brand.
Rather than using it only to sell, she shifted toward:
- Deep conversations
- Long-form connection
- Trust-building over time
Now, the podcast drives:
- Community growth
- Speaking opportunities
- Brand partnerships
- Sponsorships
Her advice for aspiring podcasters?
Start before you feel ready. You don’t need sponsors, a perfect setup, or a massive audience—just your voice and consistency.
Megan’s Advice for the Woman Planning Her Next Big Move
If you’re heading into a new season—pivoting, scaling, or starting fresh—Megan offered this reminder:
Don’t just repeat what worked before. Ask what actually excites you now.
If your offers, content, or business model no longer light you up, resistance is a sign—not a failure.
Alignment matters.
And you’re allowed to change.
Where to Connect with Megan
🎙 Podcast: Pretty Awkward Entrepreneur Podcast
📲 Instagram: @meganyelaney
(Links included in the show notes for easy access!)
Final Takeaway
You don’t have to choose between:
- A successful business or
- A healthy marriage, strong relationships, and a full life
You can have both—but it requires intention, honesty, and the courage to remodel what no longer fits.
If this episode resonated with you, screenshot it, share it on IG Stories, and tag me @lindsaydollinger so I can thank you personally. đź’–
Now go create, own, and spread your magic. ✨
