The Dark Side of Entrepreneurship
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It seems like everyone aspires to be their own boss these days. And while there are some definite perks to being the boss, there are also some serious downsides.
Here are just a few reasons why being your own boss isn’t always as great as it seems. For one thing, being your own boss means that you have to wear a lot of hats. You’re not just responsible for your own work, but also for the work of your employees (if you have any). That means you have to be the one to delegate tasks, handle complaints, and keep everyone on track.
It can also be difficult to strike a balance between work and life when you’re the boss. It’s easy to let work take over your life when you’re in charge, which can lead to burnout.
And speaking of burnout, it’s also worth mentioning that when you’re the boss, there’s no one to catch you if you make a mistake. If you screw up, it’s all on you.
Let’s get into the hidden costs of having your own business.
A never-ending to-do list
There’s always something that needs to be done when you’re your own boss. Whether it’s a never-ending to-do list or constantly putting out fires, it can be exhausting. It’s easy to get bogged down and feel like you’re never getting ahead. It can be especially tough if you’re used to having a boss or a team to help with the workload. When you’re on your own, you have to be the one to make all the decisions and figure out how to get things done. This can be a lot of pressure, and it’s easy to feel like you’re always working and never really taking a break.
It’s important to remember that being your own boss also has its perks. You get to set your own hours, you’re in control of your own destiny, and you get to be the one to call the shots. If you can find a way to balance the never-ending to-do list with some downtime, then being your own boss can be a really great experience.
Lusting after money and not the real end goal: FREEDOM
There’s an allure to being your own boss – the idea that you can make your own hours, work from home in your sweatpants, and generally be in control of your own destiny. And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be your own boss, there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the plunge.
For starters, being your own boss doesn’t mean you’re going to be rolling in dough. In fact, for many people, being their own boss means living paycheck to paycheck and never really getting ahead.
It’s not all glamorous – there’s a lot of hard work, long hours, and stress that comes with being your own boss.
Secondly, being your own boss also means you have to wear a lot of hats. You’re responsible for everything from marketing and sales to bookkeeping and accounting. And if something goes wrong, there’s nobody to blame but yourself.
Finally, ask yourself if you’re doing it for the right reasons. Are you lusting after money, or is your real goal freedom? If it’s money, you might want to rethink your decision. While being your own boss has its perks, it’s not all unicorns and rainbows.
How to get off the ONE MORE THING hamster wheel…
There’s always one more thing. You’re never done. That’s the nature of being your own boss. You’re always on, always working, always hustling. And it’s exhausting. The constant never-ending to-do list is daunting, and it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of just trying to get through the day. But if you’re not careful, this can lead to burnout.
So how do you get off the ONE MORE THING hamster wheel?
- Set boundaries. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself, both in terms of your time and your energy. When you’re working, really focus on working and turn off distractions. Set a time limit for yourself and stick to it. And when you’re done working for the day, really be done. Shut off your computer, put away your work, and relax. Give yourself permission to not think about work until the next day.
- Delegate and outsource. Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for disaster. You can’t be good at everything, and there’s no shame in admitting that. Delegate tasks to others who can do them better than you, or outsource them altogether. This will help you to focus on the things that you’re good at and enjoy, and it will free up your time to do those things.
- Take breaks. Working non-stop is not sustainable. You need to take breaks, both for your physical and mental health. Get up and move around every few hours. Take a walk outside. Take a nap. Just give yourself a chance to recharge.
- Make time for fun. Working all the time is no fun. Make sure to schedule some time for activities that you enjoy outside of work. This can help you to relax and de-stress, and it can also give you something to look forward to.
- Seek help when needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seek help from a friend, family member, therapist, or coach. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Sure, being your own boss has its perks, but it also has its downside. For starters, you’re always working. There’s no such thing as a day off when you’re the boss. You’re also always on call, which can be stressful. And, if your business isn’t doing well, you’re the one who has to suffer the consequences. So, before you quit your day job, make sure you really think about what it means to be your own boss.
Being your own boss can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be all work and no play. By setting boundaries, delegating and outsourcing, taking breaks, and making time for fun, you can find a healthy balance that works for you.
Still having trouble getting out of your own way? Check out our article here on overcoming self-defeating behavior.
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