I’ve co-owned an architecture firm for five years, but since my partner left a few months ago, I’ve struggled to manage it alone. The lack of motivation and discipline has led to fewer leads, and I fear doing this by myself. My business has great potential with a strong portfolio, but I can’t shake the feeling of depression and doubt. I’m considering returning to the workforce, though I disliked the 9-5 corporate life. My husband supports us financially, and we’re planning to start a family soon, making me question if it’s worth continuing. I love architecture but feel lost and unsure.
Don’t give up!
First things come first. Make sure you have some kind of formal agreement that outlines the ex-partner’s share, if any, and the date on which they have dissolved their relationship with your company.
After determining which 20% of your operations affect 80% of your company, hire someone else to complete the tasks on this list that you detest or find difficult.
For instance, if you detest doing business, assign a part-time employee to do the administrative duties for ten hours a week. Hire a part-time marketer if you detest marketing (I’m looking for side gig work, by the way), and so on.
You’re capable of it.
Actually, consult a doctor and a therapist before beginning any of that. It’s okay to use medication; it can help make the dips appear less severe. Get some support to get through the difficult times if you lose a business partner. It’s similar to losing a spouse. You don’t need to tackle every task by yourself.
Then all of the preceding. You may be able to locate interns to assist you till you have a clear idea of where you want to go next if there are any schools in the area. Contracts that last three months automatically provide you assistance without requiring you to bear the strain of locating assistance; if they prove to be excellent, you may hire them on a full-time basis.
Here, nicely stated
I’m just throwing this concept out there. I aided numerous private companies during my many years of employment in the AEC sector. Hire someone to act as a “lightning post”—what a crazy idea.
Invest in yourself. You are capable of doing the task. Simply write out everything you detest to do, organizing them in a way that appears to be able to occupy someone else’s time. Look for methods to assist them with the tasks you enjoy doing, but delegate the more difficult tasks to them.
Then, when the time is appropriate, you grow, assign more design work to someone, and assume a more senior role. I am aware of this work. Wishing you luck.
This is excellent advice.
I’m sorry to hear that she’s going through a difficult time. My first recommendation would be to take some time off and relax by doing something you enjoy. Don’t make any snap decisions at this time that you might later regret.
I hope things get better soon.