Feeling burned out… What should I do? Anyone been there?

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I started a home service company a few years ago. It grew super fast and now it’s a pretty successful business. I’ve worked hard for the last three years and I’m starting to feel worn out. Earlier this year, I bought out my business partner and streamlined things. The business is doing well and I make a comfortable living, but I’ve been so busy that I rarely spend the money I’ve made. I have a lot saved up.

I took a month off in Europe recently and didn’t answer my phone at all. Now that I’m back, I still don’t feel like picking up my phone. I’ve hired laborers for all positions and only keep full-time workers during the busy summer season.

I just find myself losing interest. Customers are starting to annoy me, and I used to go above and beyond for them. That was part of what built my brand, but now I don’t feel motivated anymore. $1000 three years ago felt like a lot, but today it doesn’t feel the same, and I think that’s where the lack of motivation is coming from.

Any advice on how to get my motivation back or what I can do?

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Just a reminder that this forum is for asking and answering questions about starting, owning, and growing a business. Please stick to the rules in the sidebar to avoid any issues.

3

Have you considered selling your business?

4

Blaise said:
Have you considered selling your business?

Not an option. I still love what I do and I can make a lot of money some days, like $5k in a single day. I don’t think I could find that elsewhere.

5

@Vance
Maybe hire a GM and set up some incentives to keep the business going without you being as involved?

6

I don’t have a lot of advice, but I’ve been doing this for 14 years and know exactly how you feel.

7

Have you thought about hiring a GM and stepping back a bit? You could limit your involvement and go back to Europe once everything is running smoothly again.

8

What if you took something like psilocybin to help reset? It could give you a new perspective on things.

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Aubrey said:
What if you took something like psilocybin to help reset? It could give you a new perspective on things.

Maybe start with a smaller dose, like 1.75-2g. That could be a good way to reset your mindset.

10

How much of your business is recurring work and how much is new clients? Who handles sales?

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Marlow said:
How much of your business is recurring work and how much is new clients? Who handles sales?

About 75% is from new customers. I don’t really market anymore—it’s all word of mouth and my hundreds of Google reviews. Some weeks are crazy busy and some are slow.

12

@Vance
Nice… Who handles the leads that come in? Who’s responsible for closing them?

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Marlow said:
@Vance
Nice… Who handles the leads that come in? Who’s responsible for closing them?

All the calls come to me. Honestly, I don’t even know what a client fulfillment cycle is.

14

@Vance
How could you handle those calls without being the one to answer them, while still ensuring everything’s running smoothly?

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@Vance
Check out the ‘No Bullshit’ podcast for contractors or a similar coaching program. It sounds like you’ve built a business where your time is worth a lot. Maybe you could make 75% of the profits with only 25% of the effort. Keep track of your expenses to know which services are most profitable.

16

It sounds like post-vacation blues. I had something similar when I was working a day job. The best thing I did was set some new goals and try to get back into things slowly. Sometimes you just need to ease back into work.

17

I feel the same way. I’m over it too.

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I went through burnout with my business too. I took a break and even worked a part-time job elsewhere for a while. It helped me put things in perspective. You just need a break or something new to focus on. You could also join a gym or try getting involved in community projects. Doing something else outside of work could help you relax and reset.

19

Have you thought about raising your prices?