I run a couple of small businesses, and some days it feels like there’s just too much going on. I’ve been dealing with a slow period, and it feels like I’m falling behind. Does anyone else have these days? How do you push through it?
Just a reminder, this forum is for questions about starting, owning, and growing small businesses. If your post doesn’t follow the forum rules, it might be removed. The mods can also issue a ban, temporary or permanent, if the post is against the rules. Seeing this doesn’t mean your post was removed yet.
I’m a bot, this message was posted automatically. Reach out to the forum moderators if you need any help.
Yeah, I get it. You can’t really afford to fall behind in this kind of business. It’s not like an office job where you just take some time off and come back fresh. The key is to keep pushing. When I get too burned out, I plan a trip to a remote Airbnb. It’s 4-5 weeks out, and I work hard to get everything done before then. Then I take the week off, disconnected completely. I do this every couple of years to reset.
@Dale
I do something like this too, but it’s more frequent for me. I need to take time off every 4-5 months. It’s a necessity to stay sane.
Hollis said:
@Dale
I do something like this too, but it’s more frequent for me. I need to take time off every 4-5 months. It’s a necessity to stay sane.
I was so burned out until I took a couple of vacations towards the end of last year. I feel much better now.
Huxley said:
@Dale
I like that idea. I might give it a shot. The burnout is real.
I feel guilty if I take a break when things are bad. A day or two is enough for me.
Frost said:
@Dale
You might need more time off than just a week every couple of years.
Now that things are stable, I try to take a week off here and there. But it’s not the same as being completely disconnected. For most small business owners, it’s hard to disconnect fully.
@Dale
Yeah, I get it. Even when we go on vacation, there’s always some calls or emails to keep things going. We’re still working to make things more stable so we can take longer breaks, but it’s been hectic for the last few years.
@Dale
I like this idea. I’m aiming for a break in late February. I feel like I’ve been pushing myself too much, and I need to rest. Just saying that feels like a relief.
I feel like this every December and January. These are my slowest months, and I just hope I’ve worked hard enough to make up for the quiet time. It can be stressful. For me, my regular customers aren’t as busy in the winter, but I try to work hard to bring in extra business.
Tan said:
@Case
Same here, I usually pick up in March. I just have to make it through these slow months.
It can be really stressful, especially at the beginning of January. I got a nice sale a couple of weeks ago, and the equipment will be ready soon. I’m hoping February will be stronger. It’s tough, but I try to keep things moving. I wish I could book things farther in advance like some businesses do, but I just can’t.
@Case
Same here. I’ve been running a graphic design studio for five years, and I decided to build my own studio last March. But from December until now, there’s been nothing. I’ve lowered my prices, contacted more people, and still got no work. I feel like it’s my fault, so I’ll keep adjusting and planning. I’ve started using this forum to reach more people. Hang in there, if you need graphic design help, just let me know!
@Qi
You just described my life too.
Hustle culture and having multiple income streams only works for people who already have money. Most of us would be better off focusing on maximizing our main business.
- Time and money are limited. You can have several businesses, but none of them will do great if you spread yourself too thin. Focus on the ones that give you the best return. 2. If you want to grow, you need to find someone who can manage the day-to-day operations. A ‘director of operations’ could take over daily tasks while you focus on the business side. Make sure to incentivize growth so that if the business does better, they do better too. If you already have this setup, then focus on generating more cash flow to hire someone else.
I’m in the same situation. Patience and persistence seem to be the only real solution, but it can feel miserable at times.
I’ve started, bought, and run seven different businesses. I thrive on the challenges. It keeps life exciting for me. I’d be up late and up before sunrise, always eager to see what the day would bring. If work was boring, I’d go crazy. For me, it’s never about the money, it’s about the game and the possibilities. But that’s just me. Good luck on your journey!