u/FrankieG888

I finally asked for a divorce. I feel relief, but am nervous about where life will lead me next. This is my second divorce. It finally clicked that I’ve been tolerating abusive behavior and I refuse to anymore.
The last straw was my children hearing an argument and being scared/not feeling safe in the house so they called their dad to pick them up. I never want to put my kids in that situation again, nor do I want to set that kind of example.
I can’t even find it in me to feel sad, maybe cause it’s so early in the process or because I’ve already grieved months ago when things started feeling more clear. I feel acceptance that the person I’ve been with is not who I thought he was. I feel angry because outsiders have no idea who he turns into when he’s angry. Of course he denies ever being abusive. And all his friends think he’s such an amazing person.
He was so great in the beginning planning really romantic dates, being really loving, considerate and thoughtful. Then after we got married and I moved in with him he flipped a switch. He became aggressive, verbally abusive and very manipulative. My mental health tanked and now I’m sure it was because of him. Then he started micromanaging everything I did and being very demanding. Wanting me to do things exactly his way or he would get angry and tell me that I’m unreliable as a partner and he doesn’t feel taken care of. Nothing I ever did was good enough. He has no ability to be compassionate.
He treated me horribly when I was going through a very painful abortion. He would say that our problems were because of my mental health and trauma and that I was dragging him down. It was rare that he ever apologized or admitted to being in the wrong. The most confusing thing has been his support of my goals. We agreed for him to carry most of the finances while I finished my education and got back to work. He’s used that against me every single time we had an argument. It’s confusing that he kept saying he wanted to make this work, that he didn’t want to build a life with anyone else. And then get in my face screaming at me and insulting me.
I have no clue where I’m gonna go, I need a job, and a better plan.

I’m an entrepreneur mostly working from home and it’s hard to maintain friendships during this phase of building my businesses. I have friends that live far but want to connect with more local folks. I’m thinking about hosting meetups for coworking, business discussions, and mutual support.
About me: F, 35
I prioritize my mornings for self care so I usually start my work from noon and after. Sometimes I like working in the evening. Just depends on how inspired I’m feeling.
Current projects: a wellness brand turned tech company, freelance marketing consultancy, Youtube channel, and Medium blog.
I get along well with other creatives and ambitious people. Im not interested in MLMs.
Im interested in connecting with people (especially other moms) in tech, artists, designers, writers, people building or launching a business idea looking for intentional community.

Anyone else here starting their own business and are living with chronic pain or illness?

Without going into a long story, I hit a wall where I couldn’t hold a regular job anymore about 3 years ago, I was burned out and got ill. Then was in an accident the following year that left me with chronic pain. And it’s very likely I also have endometriosis.

I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and had always attempted side hustles that never took off.

But life pushed me in the direction of pursuing entrepreneurship full time anyway.

When I left my corporate job I focused on continuing education (in marketing) and started the brand development process.

I’m still in early stages in my launches but I’m so glad I have the ability to change my schedule if I’m having a flare up, or getting to work from my bed with a heating pad on my back. Being able to go to my appointments. And also having flexibility in my schedule to tend to my children.

What have been your greatest challenges?