People can be extremely challenged by stress when it becomes overwhelming, no matter how much they love what they do. As entrepreneurs, the stress and demands of owning and running a business can be far more brutal than people paint them to be. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid getting into a high-stress, high-empathy occupation, which is often essential to the lives of many. I’ve found so much joy in rising to the occasion for others, and I know others have and will, too.

As the CEO of a damage restoration and recovery services company, my colleagues and I regularly meet people on one of the hardest days of their lives. This comes with a lot of very real stress. Our business is built on connecting with children, adults, families and business professionals who are facing unimaginable challenges. Our compassionate team members (whom we fondly call the BELFOR family) help them see that tomorrow will be better — and that we’ll walk beside them every step of the way to make sure of it.

But we’re not superhuman! Yes, we’re extremely passionate about service, and we are all part of the same empowered team. But we must remember to remain clear-headed and positive through the many stresses presented by disasters. We have to take care of ourselves, so that we can take care of others.