Shaneé Fulton has over a decade of experience in speech-language pathology, specializing in pediatric care and educational support. Passionate about fostering communication skills in children, she combines evidence-based practices with compassionate care to empower young learners.
Owning a private speech therapy practice has been rewarding and challenging. As much as I value independence and control, the daily challenges have made me question if the rewards genuinely outweigh the stress. From the lack of familial support to dealing with unreliable staff and the overwhelming burden of constant decision-making, I’ve realized that staying small is often the best path for me. Here, I want to share my experience with the difficulties of running my practice and why I believe growing bigger doesn’t always mean better.
No familial support
One of the hardest things for me has been the lack of familial support. When I started my practice, I expected to have my family’s understanding and backing, but that hasn’t always been the case. Many of my family members don’t fully grasp the complexities or pressures of owning a business like mine. Without their support, I’ve often felt isolated, facing the emotional and financial strain on my own.
When things get tough, I’ve found myself wishing I had someone to turn to for advice or just a shoulder to lean on. Unfortunately, the reality is that I’ve had to carry the burden alone, which has been emotionally draining. It’s hard when your loved ones don’t understand why you’re always working late or stressing about payroll, making the journey feel even lonelier.
Constant decision making
Every decision in my practice rests on my shoulders, and that weight is exhausting. From the moment I started, I had to make every call, whether it was choosing a location, setting prices, or even deciding which clients to accept. There’s no team of managers or board of directors to consult; it’s just me. This constant responsibility is overwhelming, and I’ve been battling decision fatigue more often than expected.
I constantly question whether I’m making the right choices. The fear of making a mistake is real because every decision directly impacts my practice, clients, and income. Some days, it feels like I’m just reacting to problems rather than running the business. The mental strain from having to think ahead always takes a severe toll.
Struggles with unreliable therapists and high wage demands
One of my biggest challenges is finding and keeping reliable therapists. Over the years, I’ve encountered many qualified therapists, but not all have been dependable. Whether it’s someone quitting unexpectedly or therapists not showing the dedication I expected, these disruptions have forced me to search for replacements, which isn’t easy constantly.
On top of that, the wage demands in this field are high, especially in private practice. I understand the desire for fair compensation, but as a small business owner, it isn’t easy to offer competitive wages while keeping my practice financially stable. I’ve had potential employees turn down positions simply because I couldn’t meet their salary expectations, which has been incredibly frustrating. Balancing my budget while attracting skilled professionals has sometimes felt like an impossible juggling act.
The never-ending workload
Running my practice means the work never stops. I’m always busy, from scheduling clients to managing administrative tasks, handling billing, and resolving everyday problems. Many people don’t realize there’s no genuine “off” time when you own a business. Even when I’m not physically at work, my mind is constantly occupied with what needs to be done next.
Taking vacations, sick days, or even just a weekend off is challenging because something always demands my attention. I’ve found that this constant pressure has led to burnout, something I never anticipated when I first started. It’s one thing to be passionate about your work, but it’s another when you’re so consumed by it that there’s little room for anything else.
Why staying small is my best option
Over time, I’ve realized that staying small is the best way for me to manage the challenges of owning a private speech therapy practice. I’ve considered expanding hiring more therapists, taking on more clients, maybe even opening another location, but the thought of adding more complexity to my entire plate is daunting. I’ve come to understand that bigger doesn’t always mean better, and for me, staying small means I can maintain a level of control and manageability.
By keeping my practice small, I can focus on providing high-quality care to my clients without the overwhelming pressure of managing a large team or dealing with even more logistical headaches. I’ve learned that sometimes growth can lead to even more problems, and I value the flexibility of staying small. I can pivot when necessary and have a more explicit focus on what matters—delivering excellent speech therapy services.
Conclusion
Owning a private speech therapy practice has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. From facing isolation without familial support to the exhaustion of constant decision-making to dealing with unreliable therapists and the never-ending workload, I’ve had my share of struggles. However, through all this, I’ve learned that staying small is the right choice. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and for my well-being and the success of my practice, staying small allows me to provide the best care possible while managing the demands of running a business.
Read more from Shaneé Fulton
Shaneé Fulton, Entrepreneur & Speech Language Pathologist
Shaneé Fulton is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with extensive experience in pediatric care and educational settings. She is deeply committed to helping children enhance their communication skills through personalized therapy and support. Shaneé's expertise includes working with diverse populations, collaborating with educators, and advocating for inclusive learning environments. Explore her insightful articles to discover practical tips and strategies for promoting speech and language development in young learners.
