Do you ever switch off?

[Silky]

Having established our business whilst I was in full time employment, I was delighted to finally hand in my notice to concentrate on our company full time - at last, I'd get my life back and not be sat at my laptop at 2am each morning ! Or that was the plan....

How on earth do you turn off from your own business? As we're growing, there just isn't a chance of a break for us - it's hands on deck pretty much 24/7. Even if there was, I just can't resist doing a few extra hours just because the laptop is there.

Is this the complete end of life as I once knew it or has anyone managed to achieve a balance?

Silky

[cmcp]

Never. I get up and go on the computer before breakfast which often results in lunch being breakfast, im constantly scribbling ideas down when out and about, im on the computer til 4am, and can't sleep for trying to work out solutions to clients problems and how to grow the business.

I need to make serious changes, however I can't afford to at the moment. I've started being really strict about get up, have breakfast and all morning stuff then get to work etc.

[estwig]

No mate, not a chance, your scr*w*d, game over!!!

Now get on with some work, you got a business to run!!!

;):)

[Ashley_Price]

It's a difficult one.

For example, Jackie and I have taken three days off this week and we have staff to cover us.

However, I've sent three or four business texts or emails today alone from my Blackberry. Why? Because last Friday afternoon we took on a new client who could be worth a lot to us and I wanted to make sure everything went smoothly today. The staff (both very new) were under strict instructions to phone or email me if there were problems or they had queries.

Now, you may think that's not getting away from work; but I would rather spend an hour each "day off" answer emails, etc., and keep a client, than have a complete break and lose that client.

But aside from instances like this - I guess no, I never entirely switch off; I'm always thinking of how to improve the business, what we can do for clients, etc. I see my business as also my hobby.

[Emcar Vending]

I switch off every day when I close the workshop door. I used to work all hours and be available all hours but it got to the stage where people were used to me being available and I had no life for myself. It took some time for regular customers to get used to me not being available 24/7 and new ones don't know what went before. It hasn't had any affect on my business and If people can't wait 24 hours for a reply to a query, then I don't think I'd want to deal with them.

[dp0848]

It's very difficult to switch off when running your own business. I try to switch my BlackBerry off on Sunday's but always end up checking emails just before bed on a Sunday night but the rest of the week it is switched on 24 hours a day.

I've had the dubious pleasure of holding a very senior position in a large and well known UK company and I'd much rather the stresses of working for myself than working for someone else.

[iboxsecurity]

i think as small business owners its incredibly difficult to "switch off" - my self i get up REALLY early in the morning go for a jog along the sea front all the while listening to audio books on the ipod as i cannot STOP working or learning in some fashion. Listening to business audio books learning the most i can - get back to the house emails on the blackberry whilst eating breakfast and straight to shower then work until next thing i know its usually 3am!

Getting a structure of "life" in place is helpful - im getting better at putting more "life" into my day but weekends i TRY and have time off but i still end up putting 10hrs in Sat and Sun to work.

[Ashley_Price]

If people can't wait 24 hours for a reply to a query, then I don't think I'd want to deal with them.I think that is a little harsh. If someone contacts you at say 10am on a Tuesday and you don't get back to them for 24 hours you may have lost a customer. What if it's an emergency?

Of course, I'm not saying you should be available 24 hours a day, but you should certainly consider responding to them as soon as feasibly possible.

The number of times prospective clients have said how surprised and pleased at our quick response, which is usually within 15 minutes of getting the initial email during office hours, or 9-5 at weekends (from my Blackberry, which is a short, personal - so not automated - message thanking them for their email and promising to respond first thing on Monday).

I have phoned prospective clients at 7:45pm and have got the work.

I accepted a call from a prospective client this morning in spite of the fact that I'm having a few days off work, and I got the job! Would they have waited for me to get back to them on Thursday (after my break)? I don't know and I don't want to chance it.

Like I said above, the long term benefits are more than worth spending an hour or so on my time off to speak with a prospective client or "look after" a new client.

[Wavecrest Ltd]

Err in a nutshell no.

I have had one day "holiday" this year so far and even then had a few calls on my mobile. My staff take great delight in booking their holidays and letting me know what a nice time they had whilst away!

I am in the office from around 8.30 AM to getting on for 8 PM plus some weekends too and when I get home I'm usually messing around looking at stuff on the net that's useful for the business or on UKBF until about 1 AM.

Not a good situation but unfortunately due to the current financial climate there is little chance of me being able to employ a few more people to help out.

Glen

[David Tyler]

It's very difficult to switch off when you start working for yourself - especially when you work from home as you never actually leave the office, so the temptation to jump on the comp is irresistible.

I structure my day, as I would at the office and make sure I stop for lunch etc. It doesn't stop me going late, but it makes me more productive so 2am shifts become less regular.

good luck

[Rhyl Lightworks]

I think it depends on how long you've had your own business, and whether you have got someone reliable to cover for you.

When I first started I was on my own, and thinking about the business all the time. (I remember once going out to fix some-one's cooker at 9pm on Christmas Eve.)

As you get older you realise there are other things in life, and if you don't learn to switch off, most people will drive themselves to an early grave.

Barrie

[Poppy Design]

It can be difficult...especially if you work from home.

If you do then a seperate office and phone line is essential.

I work anything from 7am to 5pm (no later as I like to be back in the house to meet my husband/cook dinner/walk the dog) Monday to Friday and Saturday/Sunday depending on how busy I am.

Though here I am on my laptop at 19.42 .. so I guess that is work! Though I just do not have the time to visit here during the day!

[paultnl]

When I first started I was on my own, and thinking about the business all the time. (I remember once going out to fix some-one's cooker at 9pm on Christmas Eve.)

I bet you saved someones Christmas with that one. Not only does that make you a great guy it must have done your reputation no harm at all.

[BusinessIdeas]

Switch Off? what is that? :)

[MH1]

Learnt a long time ago you need to work and play hard in life.

I find the allotment a good way to ease away the stress of long hard hours of work, plus it's got a shed with plenty of hard spirits inside. :D

[iboxsecurity]

i think it really depends "how much" you are willing to put into the business and how much you are willing to sacrafice at the time in your life.

Take a look at this video http://garyvaynerchuk.com/post/79163212/gary-at-web-2-0-expo-new-york where gary vaynerchuk who is excellent at personal branding and explains how to put in the time you have to if you really want to get somewhere.

"stop watching F***ING LOST"

[Edward Moss]

Get 2 children, you will have no choice as by the end of the day you will be so knackered you'll fall asleep at 9am. (If you have no children give Madonna ring and see where you can buy some)

[Silky]

Get 2 children, you will have no choice as by the end of the day you will be so knackered you'll fall asleep at 9am. (If you have no children give Madonna ring and see where you can buy some)

Oh I've got two, just to make sure I've absolutely no chance of a rest ! (And one of our next trips will be with 180 of the little dears :eek: :eek: )

I'm finding at the moment that even if the laptop is shut, my mind is always working furiously on opportunities and ideas to improve / grow / build, I can't read a book without my thoughts wandering and making lists of things to do.

I'm going to force myself back to a gym for an hour a couple of times a week - if I'm on my knees in exhaustion surely my mind would have to follow suit?

Silky

[I.P Paul]

I've even dream of work at the moment, only been going two months so much to think about and not enough hours in the day to do it,

[Burden]

Never. I get up and go on the computer before breakfast which often results in lunch being breakfast, im constantly scribbling ideas down when out and about, im on the computer til 4am, and can't sleep for trying to work out solutions to clients problems and how to grow the business.

I need to make serious changes, however I can't afford to at the moment. I've started being really strict about get up, have breakfast and all morning stuff then get to work etc.

What do you do ?
i think you said before, but i forgot and was wondering earlier haha.

[Burden]

I dont think i ever switch off and i really can't help it.

I'm always thinking of things to do etc as ive a few areas that are a work in progress and waiting on some building work to be finished.

I took my first holiday in a good awhile last week and a good friend who works in music covered while i was away... this is the 2nd time ive been away from starting the business and i wasnt worried this time (although i was bricking it the first time!).

I usually dread going away as i always get ideas and see things i think, oh that could be done differently or back in the uk and my mind ends up going mad!!

I dont really get people saying, you cant make yourself available 24/7 and reply to emails at all hours and over the weekends... i agree you cant be avail 24/7 but if your reading the email from them you probably have the time to reply to them quickly and they will praise your fast reaction.

[Gillie]

I switch off in that when I am with my brats doing something or other, I aint sitting at my desk thinking and working, however, whilst at cricket the other day, I managed to recruit the vice captain for some work for me, so yes I switch off, you have to, however, it can still be going on in your head etc at other times!

I actually had to switch off my mobile a couple of weeks ago for two days and it felt strangely liberating not being at everyone beck and call!!

[CKG]

I've always refused to work weekends and evenings from day one of being self employed. Not for any other reason than I'm not all that keen on the actual doing part of being a plumber. It's a means to an end.

It's strictly 9-5 for me.

Though in my business I do get the odd urgent out of hours call out from time to time. Though not very often. And I'll always answer the phone whatever time it rings and give my 10p of advice or help. Always chilled.

If I can't earn a crust between 9-5 I'll know something has gone seriously a miss.

Most the stuff peole think is burning the midnight oil probably isn't - Like fart arsing around on the lap top or internet doing 'stuff'.

To all those work'a'holics - Grow a set and take control of your life I say. Nothing's that important that it can't be done tomorrow.

[wilwat]

It is really odd, I was SE for about 10 years (in a partnership) and it went sadly wrong. Am now employed but still cannot stop thinking about things and still working silly hours because I am 'used to it'. As with most of the SE who replied I never really took many holidays. Although I am now on a regular wage, working for a good company (and I mean that) and getting Bank Hoildays and so on, I may still go back. It is a bug....

[Silky]

I've always refused to work weekends and evenings from day one of being self employed. Not for any other reason than I'm not all that keen on the actual doing part of being a plumber. It's a means to an end.

It's strictly 9-5 for me.

For me it's a passion, rather than a means to an end and I simply can't down tools when the bell rings....

Silky

[silvermusic]

Do you ever switch off?

Never totally, but over the years I've got the work/rest ratio a lot better. It's all too easy to get carried away eating, sleeping and living your business. But it can only last so long before you burn out and that does no one any good.

[F1SEO]

Spent a couple of years working like mad, from 8am till 12pm so I know what it's like.

I've since been bringing a few people in to do certain tasks - for example creating logos or building bespoke CMS systems - I can get a designer and a web development team. I have them at close contact and manage what they deliver.

This has given me some time back. Now I can work from 8am till 6pm quite happily.

[DuaneJackson]

I spent years without really switching off.

You probably will too.

It then goes one of two ways:

a) you carry on as-is and burn out. Or you don't burnt out and you soldier on an die old, lonely and not particularly wealthy.

or

b) you have a plan now about how you get from where you currently are to where you want to be (Caribbean as often as poss : ) and you're putting it in place, even if it will take a few years.

[sirearl]

I spent years without really switching off.

You probably will too.

It then goes one of two ways:

a) you carry on as-is and burn out. Or you don't burnt out and you soldier on an die old, lonely and not particularly wealthy.



.

Thats me to a tee never had a plan,but I ain't lonely as I have 2 cats and can afford the best cat food going for the smelly gits.

I suspect its more important to choose an area of work that is going to provide sufficient funds for life's little luxuries .

As for swithching off I don't do much work now but the old grey cells keep ticking away all the time.

I suspect its greed.:rolleyes::)

Earl

[BlueprintAnimation]

It's very easy to slip into obsessing 24/7 but I try to remember I'm doing this for my family's benefit, not the opposite! It's difficult though, after 6 years flat out as a student and then freelancing I find I don't know what to do with myself when I'm not working.

[openmind]

I never switch off and it can be very hard on partnerships. Luckily I met my partner when I had been running the business for some time so she understands the situation but it's still tough when I get a brainwave at 3am ;)

This year though I will be taking my first real holiday in five years with just the mobile. No laptop or Internet. Fortunately I now have a small team of professionals who are more than capable of running the business for me for two weeks and I'm incentivising (sic) them with bonuses on new business captured whilst I am away.

It will be hard for me to sit by the pool in beautiful sunshine for two weeks without working but I'll struggle on ;)

Seriously though, everyone needs a break at some point and if you are the lynch pin of your business you have to find a way to make it work whilst still making time for yourself.

[adventurelife]

I do not think any business owner ever really switches off 100%. However, from day one I was determined that owning businesses would result in a much better lifestyle that working for corporates.

Planning also helps, something most small business owners do not do. On day one I recruited several staff as I knew there was no way I was going to build a business on my own.

Many forget , if you are trying to build a business your job is to work on the business not in the business.

Many small business owners fall into the trap of building themselves a very busy job.

Time is the only thing that is really valuable, how you spend your time is important you only get one shot at life.

[WhiskyFive]

Discipline is key....getting up at the same time of day each day (so no regular 3-4am ers), doing exercise (so you are tired in the evenings), have a social life and allocate a monetary value to your time (so you can justify having a cleaner ;-)

Course...I don't stick to any of these things, but it is sooo much easier to give advice than to follow it!

[amsie]

When I don't switch off, the business runs smooth. When I do switch off, something goes wrong.

I would guess though it depends on what business you are doing, and how successful it is. Certainly in the first 5 years, when your concentrating on growth, cashflow, generating new business etc, I would say you don't switch off. If you are lucky enough to be raking it in for little effort, then I guess you can switch off (if you are one of those people, please send me your business model :-) )

Also, an understanding partner helps, after all, the sole reason for starting a business is to make more money than a wage slave, better your financial status for yourself and kids etc.

[waveuponwave]

I never stop thinking of new ideas for my business and turning problems over in my mind, but I think if I was working 18-hour days I'd be doing something wrong.

I can't help thinking that if you're working that hard, you're not working as efficiently as you could. Since reading books like The Four Hour Work Week and E-Myth Revisited, I've thought hard about how to put systems in place and structure my time more effectively so I'm not spending all day just fighting fires.

That said, I'm always grateful for people who make themselves available out of hours and reply quickly to queries. That plays a big part in who I decide to work with.

[KateCB]

The short anser is no, you don't switch off! lke others I check emails home when I get up, before I go to the office, I check later in the evening when I get home, I update the website, I prepare price lists, maybe work on quotes, answer the odd email that arrives at 10 - 11pm.....In my business we have weekends where we are away at competitions with both a stall for selling martial art supplies and the heat press/print equipment for printing garments on the day.

I have been at home for the past 5 weeks with a prolapsed disc, can't walk or drive, living on painkillers and bowen Technique treatment appointment with sugeon on 10th June - todya I have done the following from my 'sick bed'

1. Quoted for 144 jigsaw mats for an association
2. Quoted for 20 'promotional' T shirts for another association
3. Worked on a ne design for an existing customer in Corel and quoted for 150 printed hooded tops, 5 position prints, 2 colour
4. Emailed various suppliers about stock deliveries, new requirements etc
5. Looked at a new embroidery design for an existing customer, worked out the stitch count, fabric use thread use overhead costs for producing 100, 250 and 500 badges and quoted, also quoted for putting the design direct to garment
6. Talked with freight forwarders about incoming shipment from Pakistan and authorised payment of VAT/Import duty upon arrival
7. Looged ont UKBF

And I'm ill! Brain is Ok though :)

Its what makes us what we are - we live, eat and breathe our businesses, and this is what makes them viable for us - even if they are not 'lifestyle' businesses, we have the excitement of getting that order - at any time of the day or night!

[KateCB]

Spelling is taking a beating though - seem to be suffering from dyslexic fingers....:)

[cmcp]

I never stop thinking of new ideas for my business and turning problems over in my mind, but I think if I was working 18-hour days I'd be doing something wrong.

I can't help thinking that if you're working that hard, you're not working as efficiently as you could. Since reading books like The Four Hour Work Week and E-Myth Revisited, I've thought hard about how to put systems in place and structure my time more effectively so I'm not spending all day just fighting fires.

That said, I'm always grateful for people who make themselves available out of hours and reply quickly to queries. That plays a big part in who I decide to work with.

I've noticed a couple of your posts on the forum and it's about time I said, Mon the Biffy.

[KateCB]

huh? Am i missing something here - Mon the Biffy????? :?

[Burden]

www.biffyclyro.com (http://www.biffyclyro.com)

:) :)

[admagic]

I spent years without really switching off.

You probably will too.

It then goes one of two ways:

a) you carry on as-is and burn out. Or you don't burnt out and you soldier on an die old, lonely and not particularly wealthy.

or

b) you have a plan now about how you get from where you currently are to where you want to be (Caribbean as often as poss : ) and you're putting it in place, even if it will take a few years.

That explains a lot.

Once B is the focus
You judge it in terms of what is good for you....
All about you not the customers or associates.

Complacency sets in.
Good enough to get by becomes the standard

You look at agreements through they eyes of what you must do, not what you ought to do. and start breaking them if you think you can get away with it. Word is no longer bond.

And sooner or later a competitor with passion who makes the time for customers, and promotion will whoop your a+rse, who lives and breathes the business.

- particularly if you switch off before the business is self sustaining.

Subconsciously the CEO of microsoft dismissing google and facebook as threat - was more about a decision to aim for his goals....a swap from leadership into management, outside the box to inside the box, squeezing 1% out of profits, not worrying about the next big thing and these annoyances just got in the way. I will bet he was making time for his tax planning and retirement that week, so assessing google just got in the way

That was the Day that Microsoft died, even though its sales were growing
because of inertia, the writing was on the wall.

Either have passion and commitment or find something else to do.

[OneMum]

zzzzzzzzz ....:)never... what time is it?

[JEREMY HAWKE]

When you offer a 24 hour call out service 365 days of the year you never switch off .
We even have vans running Xmas day .!!!!

[edmondscommerce]

I personally think you are better working really hard for 8-10 hours per day and then having a proper relax, food, excercise, relationships etc than working for 16 a day, most of which you feel so knackered that you are making mistakes and getting frustrated..

as to how to go about it, well thats a tricky one

with computers I always have a home and a work login... the home one has no emails etc enabled.. at the end of the day you log out of work..

[BlueprintAnimation]

with computers I always have a home and a work login... the home one has no emails etc enabled.. at the end of the day you log out of work..

That's a really good idea, I should try that : )

[iTopz]

My 'business/es' if you can call it that barely make me money and are part time whilst being a young student.
Yet, I do seem to spend time improving them whenever I can and view it as a hobby more than a choir. I don't really see much wrong with it to be honest as if it makes you happy then it's good :)

[SillyJokes]

Office is open 9-5 but once we get home the evening is often spent talking the business over. If a particularly nasty problem comes up you can see Top Hat striding up and down the field behind our house muttering out loud and waving his arms around.

With four kids to sort out I sometimes feel like a zombie by 9 o'clock and am first to bed. I mostly sleep OK, but I know things are getting a bit much if I can't sleep after the kinds of days we are putting in.

I'm really enjoying the business at the moment.

[adventurelife]

The more I read this thread the more I I get depressed. The main reason to run your own business is because it is better that working for someone else.

I see to many people on here " judged by comments " that seem to have got the balance wrong by running their own business.

Yes of course it is hard but it must be by a long chalk better or go and work for someone as that is so much easier, and by what I see on here profitable.

Peter

[Silky]

Adventurelife I guess the next question would be, would anyone swap back ?

NO !

No, no, no, no, no, no, NOOOOOOO !!!

Long hours were par for the course in my employment too, but lining someone else's pocket and dancing to someone else's tune. I love the freedom, responsibility, opportunity and flexibility.

I never switch off, but my work is my passion not just a means to an end. If I wasn't running it, I'd probably be my number one customer anyway.

The posts about balance do strike a chord, a lot of things have been sacrificed in the early days but little by little I'm trying to set time aside for the gym etc to help clear my head ready for a more productive day - it's going to take some practice but I'm sure it will work out better all round.

Silky

[Alicatt]

I think you can still have passion and commitment for your business while making sure you take time out to relax and look after your health and wellbeing. If you work the same non-stop intensity five years down the line as you did at the very start you will eventually burn out.

I've made it a goal to get to the point where I can take (very occasional) holidays and things don't fall apart. It took a long time but I got there. Now I find I often come back after a break with fresh ideas and more energy.

As someone mentioned - you need to be working on your business, not stressing over every little thing 24 hours a day.

[red-source]

I thought sleeping was a perfectly viable excuse to switch off but even that seems difficult. Having a pencil and paper handy on the bedside table to scribble down those dreamt ideas is a good thing right :|

[adventurelife]

Adventurelife I guess the next question would be, would anyone swap back ?

NO !

No, no, no, no, no, no, NOOOOOOO !!!

Long hours were par for the course in my employment too, but lining someone else's pocket and dancing to someone else's tune. I love the freedom, responsibility, opportunity and flexibility.

I never switch off, but my work is my passion not just a means to an end. If I wasn't running it, I'd probably be my number one customer anyway.

The posts about balance do strike a chord, a lot of things have been sacrificed in the early days but little by little I'm trying to set time aside for the gym etc to help clear my head ready for a more productive day - it's going to take some practice but I'm sure it will work out better all round.

Silky

Depends

Would I swap back at present 6 years into running my own show? No

However

If I was sweating every detail of my businesses, not taking lots of holidays, not spending time with the family, not walking the dogs, not making money, then the answer would be yes I would go back.

You can make really good money working for someone else if you know what you are doing. That fact they will be making more is just something you have to live with, and does not bother me.

To me it is about deciding what you want to do in life then ensuring you work at something that delivers what you want.

[Ashley_Price]

Don't get the wrong idea - working for yourself is not easy, it is hard, very hard, but the rewards are greater.

Yes, you can earn a lot of money working for someone else, as A.L. says above; but would you be happy to work all the hours God sends for someone or yourself?

[TestAPlug]

Switch off? Whats that? I have a Blackberry which allows me to send/recieve emails on the go whilst out of the office and 7 days a week 16 hours a day I work. I can't complain, theres a lot of people out of work and we have lots of it. Just don't make yourself a busy fool. Business is good for us, hope everyone else is in the same boat. KEV

[Christiane]

I thought sleeping was a perfectly viable excuse to switch off but even that seems difficult. Having a pencil and paper handy on the bedside table to scribble down those dreamt ideas is a good thing right :|
Tell me about it! I am working on a couple of leaflets, got lots of great ideas between 6am and 7am as I lay awake, got to work, could I remember them? Could I heck!!!:rolleyes:
I never switch off either. Got dragged down to a seminar yesterday by OH, kept thinking ''how can I apply that to my business'' :redface:

[Blush]

switch off? I wish. Now i have my blackberry I am actually finding it easier beleive it or not, I don't have to spend ages catchign up on emails, can catch important ones and act on them and reply straightaway, resulting in less telephone calls etc.I am delegating a lot more to my assistant and sorting out systems and process which have streamlimned things and made thngs easier.I now only reorder stock once a fortnight, trying to get to once a month but with dancewear its virtually impossible,.
I do dance though, but even then they all know I have dance shop so still don't get to switch off and they have me going in two weeks to show off all our dance shoes.
I am even having to open on sundays to do pointe shoe fittings in the shop, and then pack all the orders as we are so busy.So just as I seem to find a way to get some 'me time' somethign else comes along.

[TestAPlug]

Looks like BLACKBERRY'S are the future, well done RIM bohoo Apple (I-phone)!! KEV

[Lasting Designs]

It isn't unknown for me to get up 3,4,5 am because something I've dreampt about something that needs working on :D

I marvel at these old gits who are well into their 70's and 80's who still put in the hours because they want to, they usually have underlings doing the donkey work, but they still have the passion - It says it all really, they find it stimulating rather than something they have to do.

My dad loved his job, but died 4 years after retiring, he looked lost during that time and there's only so much work to do around the house. I know that if he was self-employed he'd never have retired, he left his job with a bitter taste in his mouth, he was very much more productive than new-lings a 1/3 of his age and had to leave because of the "policy" of the day.

[Ashley_Price]

Today gives a perfect example of why I never completely switch off from work.

Thanks to my Blackberry I've managed to arrange two appointments for the coming week with prospective clients - one of which is an international firm.

I've also found out that we will be getting 50 recorded interviews to transcribe at the end of the week.

Switch off? Never... I love my business too much, it's my hobby as well as work.

[Burden]

Today gives a perfect example of why I never completely switch off from work.

Thanks to my Blackberry I've managed to arrange two appointments for the coming week with prospective clients - one of which is an international firm.

I've also found out that we will be getting 50 recorded interviews to transcribe at the end of the week.

Switch off? Never... I love my business too much, it's my hobby as well as work.

I agree with this although some people dont really get it.

They always say to me... you work all the time, forever!

But to me, in a music studio is my hobby and my job, i would spend 6-9 hours a week in someone elses studio paying before i had the chance to run my own. When im working 9 hours with a band it just goes by and you dont realise - i love it :)

[TestAPlug]

I travel alot for my business. Alover the UK. The Blackberry is the unrivaled tool. Switch off, no I have just been sorting the paperwork and kit for the next 5 days work, now I am off too fill in my cash book with last weeks receipts. WHY? Because thats what I do, its a way of life not just a business. KEV

[edmondscommerce]

Yes if you manage to escalate your hobby into a profit making business then can it really be considered work or is it still your hobby??

I suppose a lot of people (myself included) have chosen their line of business because they derive pleasure from doing the core activity (for me programming) and would be doing it anyway regardless of whether its the full time job or not.

That said, you still need some quality downtime.

[Mark_Williams]

Hi there, It is difficult to switch off but it gets easier as time goes on.
I find having a notebook by the bed helps as some good ideas come in the night, at least if you have written it down you can sleep soundly knowing it won't be forgotten.

good luck

ps. nothing wrong with dedication and enthusiasm

[Ashley_Price]

Yes if you manage to escalate your hobby into a profit making business then can it really be considered work or is it still your hobby??

I suppose a lot of people (myself included) have chosen their line of business because they derive pleasure from doing the core activity (for me programming) and would be doing it anyway regardless of whether its the full time job or not.

Two questions/points here...

1/ Actually, I would say if it's something you enjoy doing and you happen to earn money from it, do you still call it a job?

2/ The difficulty can be when turning your "hobby" into your job, is that unless you are ultra disciplined you will end up doing a whole lot of other stuff and not doing what you enjoy. That's where outsourcing comes in (:D) - let others do your admin, phone answering and paperwork and concentrate on the bit you enjoy.

[Sardukar]

Subconsciously the CEO of microsoft dismissing google and facebook as threat
Is that why Microsoft own a substantial stake in Facebook..?

[Ashley_Price]

Is that why Microsoft own a substantial stake in Facebook..?

There seems to be some confusion over the correct figure, but it seems to be between 1.6 and 5% which I would hardly consider a "substantial stake"! :p

[garyk]

Yes but I think your priorities change with age. I was 26 when I went into my first business after a redundancy and hitting 40 last year I realised my free time was more important than working. So I took the whole summer off last year and now I actually try and position myself so I'm not working 5 days a week and I love my free time.

[edmondscommerce]

Two questions/points here...

1/ Actually, I would say if it's something you enjoy doing and you happen to earn money from it, do you still call it a job?

2/ The difficulty can be when turning your "hobby" into your job, is that unless you are ultra disciplined you will end up doing a whole lot of other stuff and not doing what you enjoy. That's where outsourcing comes in (:D) - let others do your admin, phone answering and paperwork and concentrate on the bit you enjoy.

true enough..

the other flip side is that if you were doing it as a hobby you would always do what you wanted to do in the timescales that you wanted to do it

as soon as it becomes a job you are doing what other people want you to do in the timescales they want you to do it.

its never going to be as nice but hey its what you're getting paid for

[Ashley_Price]

the other flip side is that if you were doing it as a hobby you would always do what you wanted to do in the timescales that you wanted to do it

As a friend of mine said recently, "Find a job you like and never work again!" When you think about it it's true.

[James.Dunford]

At the moment i am checking my email every half hour or so, at all times of day, it is gettig out of control!! But with a new business, a lot of my money invested (Being 18 i don't have a huge amount compared to most start ups!) and i need to switch off a bit, its a bit ott! Especially seeing as sales are really low anyway :rolleyes:

I will get better though, i hope...!!