Running a Business While Grieving

Grief does not check your calendar. A parent dies during your busiest season. A child, a spouse or a close friend is gone, and the next morning there are still orders to fill, payroll to run and customers expecting replies. Employees can take bereavement leave. Owners often feel they cannot.

If you are grieving while trying to keep a business going, this post is meant to be gentle and practical. You do not have to do this perfectly. You only have to take the next small step.

God is near the brokenhearted

Scripture does not ask grieving people to pretend they are fine. "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18, KJV). God draws near in grief rather than standing at a distance.

At the tomb of his friend Lazarus, knowing he was about to raise him, Jesus still wept (John 11:35). Grief is not a lack of faith. It is love continuing after loss.

Here at Jag Journey, this is close to home. JustAllowGod, the free Bible study platform we build, was born from a father's grief. Our founder, Jim, lost his daughter Mallory in 2023. She had dreamed of becoming a developer and learned to code alongside her dad. Work and grief often travel together, and God can be present in both.

Lower the bar on purpose

In the weeks after a loss, your capacity is reduced. Concentration, memory and energy may all be affected. Rather than pushing to work at your usual level, decide deliberately to do less for a season.

Ask yourself: what is the minimum the business needs to keep its commitments over the next few weeks? Focus there. Everything else can wait.

Simplify and pause

Look at your work and sort it into three groups:

• Must continue: payroll, essential customer commitments, tax deadlines and anything with serious consequences if missed.
• Can be delegated: tasks others can handle with brief instructions.
• Can be paused: new projects, marketing, nonurgent meetings and anything optional.

Postpone or cancel what you can. Most people understand when told that you have experienced a loss.

Let others carry some of the load

This is often the hardest part for owners who are used to doing everything. Let your team, partner, family or trusted friends help. Give them clear, simple tasks. Accept offers of practical help, such as meals or errands, at home as well. Receiving help is not weakness. It is part of how the body of Christ is meant to work.

If you are a solo owner, consider asking a trusted peer or contractor to cover urgent tasks for a few weeks.

Tell customers what they need to know

You do not owe customers the details of your grief, but a short message can relieve pressure and set expectations. For example:

"Our family has experienced a loss, and I will be working reduced hours for the next few weeks. Existing orders will still be completed, though some responses may be slower. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Set an auto-reply with a similar message. Most customers respond with kindness.

Be careful with big decisions

Grief can make everything feel urgent or pointless. If you can, avoid major, irreversible business decisions in the early weeks after a loss, such as selling the business, signing a long lease or ending important relationships. If a decision truly cannot wait, involve trusted counselors and take extra time to pray.

Care for your body

Grief is physical as well as emotional. Try to keep basic routines: sleep, regular meals, water and some movement or time outside. These small things help you get through each day.

Expect waves

Grief rarely moves in a straight line. You may feel almost normal one day and overwhelmed the next. Anniversaries, holidays and unexpected reminders can bring fresh waves months or years later. Plan for lighter schedules around significant dates, and be patient with yourself.

A short plan for the weeks ahead

If you need something concrete to hold onto, start here:

1. Write down the must-continue tasks for the next two to four weeks.
2. Choose one or two people to help, and tell them specifically what you need.
3. Send a brief note to customers and set an auto-reply.
4. Postpone major decisions where possible.
5. Protect basic self-care: sleep, food and a little time outside each day.
6. Stay connected to your church, friends or a grief support group.
7. Talk to a professional if grief feels unbearable or you struggle to function. A grief counselor, pastor or doctor can help. If you are in crisis or have thoughts of harming yourself, in the US call or text 988, or contact your local emergency number.

When you are ready for words of Scripture, reading slowly can be a comfort. JustAllowGod is free to use with no sign-up required to start reading. And when you are ready to rebuild a rhythm of rest, a practical Sabbath for business owners may help.

You do not have to carry this alone, and you do not have to carry the business alone either.