01/25/2023
Running a business is such a blessing. It has been called the American dream.
It is also NOT EASY.
What they don’t tell you is that it can cause loads of stress, severe anxiety, and can drain you mentally to the point of depression - even in the most laid back people.
People will talk about you, compare you to others, use you, they will view you as a service and not a person anymore.
Friends will expect discounts on everything and value you and your hard work less than a big chain store.
You have to worry about if you forget to email/message someone back, are they going to think it was on purpose? Did you disappoint them? Will they hold that against you? When in reality you just can’t get to everyone’s messages and emails. I work 24/7 -7 days a week and it's still not enough.
Starting up and running a successful business puts incredible strain on personal lives and relationships, many of which fail because there is just often no work life balance. You need to be the director, the worker, the admin, the marketing team, the accountant, and out in the field working..... All whilst being a parent, family support, friend...
There’s a reason you don’t see many people succeed in small businesses after 5-10 years. It takes a toll. It’s freaking exhausting. Especially this past year.
Here’s a small reminder that we are just normal people with hectic lives. Be kind, be patient….. and hopefully more of us will stick around! Shout out to all those still showing up.
COPY & PASTED because it was pretty spot on with regards to most small businesses.
#}