Entrepreneur and (gambling) addicted
There is a lot of hidden suffering among a large group of people in the Netherlands and there is also a huge taboo on it: addiction. This is already a serious problem for people in paid employment, but there are often safety nets for that. In consultation with the employer, a program can be offered in the event of a request for help. Sometimes it also happens that someone takes time off or reports sick when normal functioning is no longer possible. These safety nets are missing for an entrepreneur and this can have disastrous consequences, especially for a self-employed person. Since I have been active as an expert as a coach in addiction care, I have seen several cases where the company itself is running well and makes operational profit, but a gambling addiction almost causes the company to go under financially.
In one case, the gambling addiction of one of the owners of a multi-branch company caused the addiction to bring the company to the brink of collapse. This was not only a great risk for the entrepreneurs, but also for the approximately 25 employees.
It is certain that nobody chooses an addiction, but you are responsible for your recovery. It is important to realize that it is virtually impossible to do this alone. If I have learned anything in recent years, it is when you show your vulnerability and are honest about your addiction that people in your immediate environment are willing to help you. By that I do not mean giving money, but, for example, getting the financial situation back in order and being open about your addiction.
Zuidweg & Partners can provide advice on budgeting and help resolve your debts. Ultimately, you will have to do it yourself and experience the effect of meeting your payment obligations on your self-esteem.
Of course it is also important to work on a sustainable behavioral change in (gambling) addiction. I would like to help you with that, because I wish everyone my recovery.
Marco Smit, owner of PentaCO (www.pentaco.nl)