I’m burnt out running a business

[PGTV]

Anyone else feeling completely burnt out running their own business? At the start of covid, with the lockdowns it was great - business increased dramatically (being Mail-order). While others were stuck at home with lockdown rules or worrying as they could not open, my daily life was “normal” - going to work normally and “legally” - every hour was like Christmas trade, things were good.

But now I feel completely shattered and burnt out. Christmas trade is approaching and I just cannot focus on it. I should have ordered stock weeks ago, but just could not bring myself to do it.

I read of others starting their new business because of covid - with all the excitement of starting, yet I feel the complete opposite. Is it just me?

 

[SillyBill]

No, not just you, I am shattered and counting down the days until I can have a few days off between Xmas and New Year. We haven't stopped for a breather since March 20.

Immaterial of business performance (it has been good for us over last 2-3 years) we've had Brexit to deal with, then COVID and now massive inflation (I appreciate the former two may be driving the latter but I approach it as a new hurdle to be overcome). Our margins have dropped off considerably over the last few weeks, purely because I haven't been as proactive as I needed to be in passing it on, exhausted and these tasks are being kicked into new year now, effectively at my own expense. Sometimes you do have to recognise though, as harsh as we are in being our own critics, we can't go 100% flat out for months/years on end without a price to be paid later.

 

[Rekkovitch]

Yup I feel like I'm running on empty. I have taken time to think recently about an exit strategy. If I can clear the mortgage completely by end of 2022 I will be scaling down to the bare essential work as its just not worth the aggro anymore

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Do you guys sleep well at night? My Doctor sent me straight to A&E the other week for X-Rays and tests on a troublesome swelling, this following a list of niggly ailments, a couple requiring antibiotics, that I've had in recent months.

The hospital doctor, taking a broader view of my general health and work pressures, said I was knocking decades off of my life due to lack of quality uninterrupted sleep.
Taking his advice, after just a few days of improved shut eye, i'm focusing better, am making better decisions and am much less stressed. Nothing has changed at work, if anything there have been more balls to juggle but it took a medical wake up call for me to realise the answer lay in my hands. Superhuman we ain't!

 

[Deleted member 335660]

Anyone else feeling completely burnt out running their own business? At the start of covid, with the lockdowns it was great - business increased dramatically (being Mail-order). While others were stuck at home with lockdown rules or worrying as they could not open, my daily life was “normal” - going to work normally and “legally” - every hour was like Christmas trade, things were good.

But now I feel completely shattered and burnt out. Christmas trade is approaching and I just cannot focus on it. I should have ordered stock weeks ago, but just could not bring myself to do it.

I read of others starting their new business because of covid - with all the excitement of starting, yet I feel the complete opposite. Is it just me?

We opened our shop three days before the Spanish Government put us in lockdown so yes it has not been easy and the recovery is slower than we hoped.

But remember “when the going gets tough the tough get going” and a good reminder is the fact it’s Remembrance week. I’m wearing my Poppy with pride and helps me appreciate how lucky we are.

 

[The Supplier Central]

Anyone else feeling completely burnt out running their own business? At the start of covid, with the lockdowns it was great - business increased dramatically (being Mail-order). While others were stuck at home with lockdown rules or worrying as they could not open, my daily life was “normal” - going to work normally and “legally” - every hour was like Christmas trade, things were good.

But now I feel completely shattered and burnt out. Christmas trade is approaching and I just cannot focus on it. I should have ordered stock weeks ago, but just could not bring myself to do it.

I read of others starting their new business because of covid - with all the excitement of starting, yet I feel the complete opposite. Is it just me?

I think lots of people feel like this! There's only so long that you can keep running for. Also then there's the pressure to "keep going" which is a bit of a false economy because you then never recover and get your enthusiasm back.

When I feel like this, I give myself permission for a week to only do the essentials and either just go for a lot of walks and take a break, or/and focus on tasks that I enjoy and try to get some of my mojo back!

 

[Jonathan Melamet]

It is easy to feel burnt out with your business. Especially, as the work will never stop if you are running it yourself.

Taking a break for even a day makes the world of difference, and if not bring in someone to help.

 

[tony84]

Our industry has been busy for over 2 years.
I just got to the point where every day was a drag, but I carried on as I wanted to make hay in case everything stopped.

September to mid October it seemed to fall off a cliff, I just enjoyed it. I could have brought in some business but I didnt bother unless people called me.

It has picked up again this month and I have had a busy 10 days, I reckon next week will be busy and then it usually dies down until mid Feb, I think I will just enjoy the break and hopefully start afresh in the new year.

The key thing from all of that is just dont forget to take the break. I think you have maybe made a mistake and you should have powered through Christmas and the January sales (if that is a busy time for you) and then take 2/3/4 weeks out, you will then be back to normal but you would have been able to benefit from the busy periods.

 

[Maverick77]

Anyone else feeling completely burnt out running their own business? At the start of covid, with the lockdowns it was great - business increased dramatically (being Mail-order). While others were stuck at home with lockdown rules or worrying as they could not open, my daily life was “normal” - going to work normally and “legally” - every hour was like Christmas trade, things were good.

But now I feel completely shattered and burnt out. Christmas trade is approaching and I just cannot focus on it. I should have ordered stock weeks ago, but just could not bring myself to do it.

I read of others starting their new business because of covid - with all the excitement of starting, yet I feel the complete opposite. Is it just me?

Sorry to hear that you're burnt out.
Are you in the position to be able to employ people to help?

 

[PGTV]

Thanks guys for the replies - appears I’m not alone.

business has always been “in me” - but the last few months has been a strain now. I should feel blessed that I have a business that does well regardless of what is happening - but the human behind it is not as resilient.

something has to give as I think everyone is at their wits-end. I take my chances with covid as my metal state is more of a danger to me!

 

[simon field]

It does make you wonder what on earth they’ve injected us with!

 

[presentationgenius]

Without knowing what you do it's impossible to be too specific but FWIW I have a policy for me an all my staff of up to half a day a week "off" for personal development, research and that sort of thing. It's been a lifesaver in terms of just-bloody-coping-when-things-go-belly-up!

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

In January, I was in hospital for 2 weeks with Covid. I had a doctor look me in the eye just after a couple of ECGs and say 'heart attack.' It was almost as scary as my ex-wife's divorce lawyer.

It's been a helluva struggle to get back to normality but I'm alive! Every breath feels fantastic. Nothing like desperately struggling to breathe to make me appreciate the simple things in life like, well, breathing. It's massively underrated. When I took my first, staggering steps! When I was able to run again! Just walking the dog is amazing! Being close to death means life is amazing!

From a business perspective, just had a record October, November's looking decent and December will be quiet but I'm happy. I'll be able to pay off my bounce back loan and the credit cards! I'll be able to buy the fancy camera equipment I need for my video production business!

Life is good!

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I have never felt better

Eat well exercise ,get all your jabs stay away from all the skankers that will pass bad things onto you and make some money

Everything will sort itself out as long as you sort yourself out

 

[DavidWH]

Been there, done that.

I work with my dad (63) and during lockdown the penny dropped, I literally took an axe to the business.

I halved the workshop size.
I sold one van
I sold a load of machinery
Upgraded what machinery we were keeping.

Couldn't be happier! We use more subcontractors which works 99% of the time, and produce in house what we can that generates a higher margin.

My dad's reduced his days, its Monday Friday, 8-4 and I rarely work Friday afternoon, and other than 2 Saturdays in the past few years for friends, we dont do weekends.

I've friends in the same industry, who thought I was mad... they're working days, nights, weekends, and seem to have no end of bad luck, things going wrong, costing time and money and all manner of stress, and its not like they're making anymore more profit than we do!

I've people telling me to start making certain products, sure it'll make money, but bore the life out of me!

Perhaps I'm wrong - but I don't work for myself to be a slave to customers. I don't work for myself to spend my time away from work stressing and worrying about work. I don't work for myself to work every waking hour.

My old man and I, have a relatively stress free, happy life.

 

[sharabela]

It has been tough to run businesses. Covid has had its impact in economy and people have lost their consumption ability. I think we may have to struggle for at least a year to two to recover it.

 

[TelesMedia]

Yes i am the same - just thinking 5 weeks now and then a break before going again.

 

[Sparetoolparts]

I'm in the same boat, Covid made my sales triple overnight, and since lockdown has lifted my sales have been on free-fall back to Pre-Covid levels which makes me want to give the whole thing up, as why bust my pan in 7 days a week for a tiny return.

This time of year is always quiet this time of year as well, I need to stop comparing things to Covid Lockdown times and compare my sales etc to pre-covid.
.
I have learned to quit at 6pm each evening though which is a good thing but the thought of what I have ahead the next day is constantly on my mind.

Good luck with moving forward

 

[Ozzy]

Just reading this thread, and can only say the same as others. Take some time for yourself to recharge, no matter how hard it may feel to do it.

Before covid I had managed to get the business to a stage I wasn't needed, and was able to spend a couple days a week doing voluntary and charity work I really enjoyed. Was able to spend time in the countryside with my daughter. Then covid hit, after a few months I needed to cut back and put some people on furlough...and the business swallowed me. I couldn't take time off when I had people who's jobs I needed to secure and be able to bring them back to.
It's almost the end of the year and I've git about 3 weeks holiday I still haven't taken. Only got myself to blame though, I went and bought back some forum or another that's kept me busy.

I do have some time booked off in January through and again in February. Getting the new launch of this site out the way then once the dust has settled that's when I'm taking my time out.

Why not, at the very least, just have a couple days of nothing before the Christmas craziness kicks on? Just a couple days, no phone and no email, just a walk in the countryside to recharge.

The hospital doctor, taking a broader view of my general health and work pressures, said I was knocking decades off of my life due to lack of quality uninterrupted sleep.

I must have weeks left! Due to spinal issues I don't sleep properly, unless I take some seriously hitting drugs which the doc prescribes. As they're addictive I tend to avoid them unless absolutely must.

 

[Janinah]

Came across this quote the other day which I think should resonate with you too.

"You don't get burnt out from doing too much, you are burnt out from doing too little of the things that you love"

 

[Ozzy]

"You don't get burnt out from doing too much, you are burnt out from doing too little of the things that you love"

I wouldn't say I agree with this, as there is also a saying that you can have too much of a good thing.

 

[Janinah]

I wouldn't say I agree with this, as there is also a saying that you can have too much of a good thing.

Yes you can have too much of a good thing. However, they key is balance - Yes work hard/smart on your business, but it's imporant to remember to also make time for things you enjoy e.g. seeing family and friends, making time for leisure activities e.g. Reading and working on hobbies etc. So that's how I interpret the quote, as in my personal experience the times I've felt burnt out is when I've worked on my business to the sacrifice of everything else.

 

[PGTV]

For me personally it was a case “I might as well work during covid, then stay at home twiddling my thumbs”. Business was good - be a fool to turn it away.

the uk had travel restrictions until late spring/early summer, so could only have day trips away, which are welcomed, but it is not a complete “switch off”. International travel is a no-go, so might as well make money rather than watching day-time TV.

but working constantly has taken its toll. To be into context - last Xmas I only had Xmas day and Boxing Day off, then back to work - everyone was home, and buying online, it was back-logging.

just say, I am grateful that the business done well, and financially came out good - but at what cost to the human behind it?

being mailorder, everyone expects you to be like Amazon. I remember getting an email on Boxing Day morning asking if the order placed late on Xmas Eve has been despatched…

 

[Alexharvey]

Shattered? Try no business at all for 8 months and zero government support. Get on with it and enjoy it. You are doing something you love? If not why are you doing it?

 

[Pezza55]

I think it has been hard on everyone who has continued through the pandemic. So many underlying stresses I can totally understand why people are feeling burnt out. I would see if you can get in some self employed people to ease your pressures over the Xmas period. I know it will hit on the profit margin but you will make yourself ill if you put too much pressure on yourself.

 

[Trisha&ChrisPlant]

Wow, it helps that I'm not alone, all the above resonate with me. I desperately need to update my website but I just can't focus on it. I open it up, look at it, and there's a mental block. I close it again. There are just too many plates to keep spinning, but when it's just you, it's difficult.

 

[Geospectrum]

I’m definitely feeling burnt out. I’m a sole trader and work on my own. COVID saw a big tick up in order levels and I have managed to scrape through but putting up prices and reducing my online offering. I’m knackered though, and combined with an anxiety disorder has left me considering the future of the business. I’m up for a change of direction but right now I don’t have the energy.

 

[Kath y]

You have my total sympathy and understanding. I'm also in the mail order business and trade went crazy from March 2020 and was super busy all through the first lockdown. I worked 7 days a week for nearly a year (finishing 3ish on a Sunday was my 'treat' for the week!) Eventually I caved in and decided to hire a member of staff, just 16 hours a week, and it's made a healthy difference. However, the buck still stops with me and the responsibility to keep things up to speed does weigh very heavy at times. I have it in mind that I may pull the plug at my next tenancy break clause, as it's been 16 years already that I've had no true down time or rest.

 

[Gill Courage]

Welcome to the world of being self employed......... those who have "jobs" don't generally understand that you cannot always dictate the pace of your business. They tell you to "take it easy" or "do a bit less"....they don't see that you can either say "yes" or "no". When the business is tipping in, you don't always have the strength to turn it down and turnig away business can mean that those customers will not come back.
What you have to do is take a long, honest look at what you are doing. Run the numbers and see what is really going on; are you a busy fool or are you making great margins? If it's the first, you need to get rid of things that don't make enough. If the second, see if you can subcontract something to lighten your own load. Never expect others to have the same care and consideration for your business that you do - there is always a trade-off in terms of perfection but "good enough" has to be OK. Don't kill yourself reaching for the stars.
You also have to be brutally honest about where you are going. What's the endgame? Are you out for Global Domination and billionairehood? Or do you simply want a nice lifestyle and a bit of financial security?
Good luck!

 

[Washington]

Firstly, to all in business and struggling with the pressure you have my sympathies.
I think all of us in business would have a tale to tell, very few companies will be getting through the last 18-24 months without major change to the way we do things, which can transform our views and attitude to our businesses and may influence how we see the future
.
My business benefitted greatly just after the first lockdown, however crazy sea freight prices will have a massive impact on my business over the next 6 months, and sadly not a positive one. Still the whole point of being in business is to anticipate the bumps in the road as much as you can, and make adjustments to how you do things to keep ahead.

If the motivation has gone to do this, and if your business model allows, it could be the time to wind down, take a step back and refresh. It may allow you to recharge your batteries to go again !

By the way, if any of you on here are thinking of exiting your businesses, feel free to drop me a PM, I am always happy to look at opportunities !

 

[Dinky]

Completely shattered here too. I'm usually ramped up to most the most of the uptick in sales Black Friday and Xmas brings, but feel too knackered already to do anything further to maximize Q4 sales.

being mailorder, everyone expects you to be like Amazon. I remember getting an email on Boxing Day morning asking if the order placed late on Xmas Eve has been despatched…

I get the same... but on Xmas day! I always get the blame too for ruining little Timmys Christmas because the parent didn't order until Xmas Eve and it hasn't arrived in time.

It's almost the end of the year and I've git about 3 weeks holiday I still haven't taken.

It's interesting that you mentioned having holiday left. As you have employees I guess it's only fair to give yourself set holiday period along with your employees, but for those sole directors/traders do you give yourselves a set holiday periods per year, or just take time off as and when?

I've always took time off as and when needed, which isn't much or often and when I do take as 'extended' break (a week at most), I can never fully switch off with feelings of worry and guilt. I've read in the past that to combat these feelings it's a good idea to give yourself a set holiday period same as you'd get if you were an employee. Think I'd give this a try next year, but wondering if it has helped those that have already tried it?

 

[Enz.87]

Add:
1x pregnant wife/co-director/my only help
1x due date 20 December
1x new warehouse we are opening
1x new lockdown all around Europe, couriers doing incredible mess
1x bad accountant over payed

= I came back to see my therapist

 

[Mr D]

In January, I was in hospital for 2 weeks with Covid. I had a doctor look me in the eye just after a couple of ECGs and say 'heart attack.' It was almost as scary as my ex-wife's divorce lawyer.

It's been a helluva struggle to get back to normality but I'm alive! Every breath feels fantastic. Nothing like desperately struggling to breathe to make me appreciate the simple things in life like, well, breathing. It's massively underrated. When I took my first, staggering steps! When I was able to run again! Just walking the dog is amazing! Being close to death means life is amazing!

From a business perspective, just had a record October, November's looking decent and December will be quiet but I'm happy. I'll be able to pay off my bounce back loan and the credit cards! I'll be able to buy the fancy camera equipment I need for my video production business!

Life is good!

Yes, its good after the doctor tells you that!
The treatment and food not so much, the getting beyond it is.

I take time to smell the flowers. To watch the kids playing in the park. To light a candle and simply let it burn.

 

[14Steve14]

I am glad its not just me that thinks I am working to ohard.

I sell to mainly railway modellers and hobbyists from home, and since the first lockdown business has never been so good, but its been hard work. The business grew so much I employed my daughter, which took some of the strain off of me and had to start charging VAT in April this year. In November last year we actually took the website offline for two weeks. The website was getting an update and I wanted to do a full stock check. We got everything done in the first week, and just chilled for the second. I spent time in the garden as we were keeping ourselves to our selves. It recharged me.

Since then its been really good and earlier this year once again we turned the website off for two weeks. It was a way of switching me off. With working from home, its hard to switch off. I got time to spend with my nearest and dearest which was great. Recently my father passed away and it was time for a total rethink, and I have decided to outsource more of what I do, whilst my daughter is taking on more responsibly. If nothing else it makes me feel better.

 

[Ozzy]

Think I'd give this a try next year, but wondering if it has helped those that have already tried it?

For me it reminds me if I haven't taken holiday, because although I remind my staff to take time and use their holiday I don't remind myself - my wife does though

 

[SillyBill]

I've always took time off as and when needed, which isn't much or often and when I do take as 'extended' break (a week at most), I can never fully switch off with feelings of worry and guilt. I've read in the past that to combat these feelings it's a good idea to give yourself a set holiday period same as you'd get if you were an employee. Think I'd give this a try next year, but wondering if it has helped those that have already tried it?

That is the biggest challenge, not unique to many business owners. Perhaps I am a control freak but even while the business can run without me for days or a couple of weeks I'm never comfortable being away. Something I have tried to train myself to get over but hasn't worked out. And now conceded it won't until I hang up the gloves. Holidays are supposed to be for relaxing but my stress levels and anxiety will shoot up. TBH this is a wider problem I came across many years ago when I realised several years in I had completely forgotten how to relax and take it easy. It is a skill to be able to switch off.

 

[Alan Starkie]

Me and my son run a camera repair business. We usually work until 10pm each night, sometimes later and quite often 7 days per week. Still building the business and I'm hopeful that we will cut back on our hours as things settle down. Funny thing is, I should be retiring in a few weeks! Not a chance. Got bills to pay and I just don't have time to burn out - just age-related feelings of exhaustion a lot of the time. I suffer from depression and that isn't good. When you mentioned that you just couldn't bring yourself to order Christmas stock - well, that made me wonder if you might be suffering from depression caused by stress? Just a thought.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Add:
1x pregnant wife/co-director/my only help
1x due date 20 December
1x new warehouse we are opening
1x new lockdown all around Europe, couriers doing incredible mess
1x bad accountant over payed

= I came back to see my therapist

Look who he blames Courier and accountants

So who got your wife pregnant then ?

Must have been the CO director because the courier and the accountant cant do anything right

 

[DavidWH]

Me and my son run a camera repair business. We usually work until 10pm each night, sometimes later and quite often 7 days per week. Still building the business

I am intrigued, how many hours a day are you working?

 

[Scottishgifts4u]

Me and my son run a camera repair business. We usually work until 10pm each night, sometimes later and quite often 7 days per week. Still building the business and I'm hopeful that we will cut back on our hours as things settle down.

Have you got your pricing structure correct?

Your hours worked suggest you are either cheaper than everyone else or there is a shortage of good repair businesses.

Putting your prices up should either give you a better income for the same amount of work or cut down the amount of work you do for the same income. (As a rough guide obviously)