“I Always Pay Myself Last”: The Payroll Pressure Small Business Owners Feel (and What to Do About It)

For many small business owners, payroll isn’t just a line item — it’s the biggest expense. And with it comes a weight that’s hard to describe unless you’ve carried it yourself.

Over the years, I’ve heard the same concerns come up again and again:

“Why do we need to hire more people?”
“I’m worried about making this pay cycle.”
“I haven’t paid myself in weeks because I need to pay my team.”
“I always pay myself last.”

💬 These aren’t just financial logistics. These are real fears, spoken by passionate entrepreneurs who care deeply about their people. The kind of leaders who will sacrifice their own paycheque to make sure their team is covered.

And while that compassion is commendable — it’s also not sustainable.

The Hidden Toll of Carrying Payroll Alone

As a business owner, your team’s well-being matters. But so does yours. Constantly juggling payroll, cash flow, and hiring decisions can lead to burnout, resentment, and stalled growth.

Too often, I see founders try to “power through” — delaying decisions, putting off hires (or making rushed ones), and struggling to strike the balance between people needs and business realities.

That’s where strategic HR support comes in.

Where I Come In: People Strategy Meets Practical Support

As a Fractional HR Partner, I help small business owners make smart, sustainable people decisions. My role is to walk alongside you — not just to help you “manage HR,” but to help you lead your team with clarity and confidence.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

✔ Building lean, high-performing teams
✔ Aligning hiring plans with actual cash flow
✔ Making tough calls with empathy and structure
✔ Creating job clarity and realistic expectations
✔ Knowing when to hire — and when to hold off

Sometimes the best move is to not hire. Other times, the right strategic hire unlocks the growth you’ve been stuck waiting for. Either way, you deserve support making that call.

Feeling the Pressure of Payroll?

If you’re losing sleep over payroll, unsure whether you can (or should) expand, or simply need a second set of eyes on your org chart — let’s talk.

This doesn’t need to be a high-pressure conversation. Just real talk. About your business, your team, and what’s possible when you stop carrying it all alone.

📩 Reach out when you’re ready. I’m here to help.