How do I get my life back and keep my business?

Dear Aunty B,

I started my own business on a redundancy and because I was sick and tired of working extremely long hours and for less money than my previous male boss got.

But now I find I am working even longer hours for less money and there is no one to pass extra work on to. I am about to go on a holiday where I won’t get paid and I am questioning the whole reason I have gone out on my own. I can’t afford to scale back my work because the business would not be viable.

How do I get a life back but still keep my business?

Dianne

Dear Dianne,

You will never get the life back that you used to have. But as you rightly point out, who wants it? Huh?

Here is what you must do. You must grow. You must develop relationships and networks. That may include taking on an employee or signing on a contractor. Or forming a relationship with another single operator so that you can pass on work without losing clients.

I have no idea why people are so scared to take on employees. They don’t bite and by hiring smart you can do more of the type of work you enjoy without the stress of being all things to everyone.

You either take that approach or you focus on less but more profitable clients that cut back your work but allows the business to remain viable.

Understand you are at a turning point and don’t go back.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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