When someone starts a small business, they realistically anticipate that the challenges they will face will be greater than those experienced as an employee. They foresee the stress of finding first customers, having less money, and working long hours.
Often, however, they don’t anticipate the challenge of managing their “head” when the cumulative day-to-day stresses take their toll. That is when a feeling of isolation takes hold. This is the point when the owner starts to think no one really knows what they are going through.
People who have jobs have the security of a weekly paycheck. They cannot relate to the individual who has to create value every day to cover their own salary, and that of their employees.
Outside observers do not relate to the circumstance whereby an individual might become overwhelmed by making so many decisions day in and day out for an extended period of time. They cannot envision cash being so tight that even the simplest decision becomes difficult to make.
As an owner, you often have little or no down time or any vacation from responsibility. You are working twelve to sixteen hours per day, seven days per week and missing family holidays.
Your former co-workers become less supportive of you since they cannot relate to your situation. Once the paycheck becomes so dependent on so many variables each week, you may become less open to your spouse and/or family, who are relying on you for their own needs.
Those very people who you thought were going to be your source of strength may actually be adding to your stress due to ways to keep yourself more relaxed by setting up channels the new circumstance impacting them. What can you do?
Steps to Counter Isolation
– Most importantly, you should first recognize that isolation and loneliness is a very common challenge of business ownership. Support needs to be put in place that would not normally be needed if you were an employee. Here are some suggestions:
– Join a local business organization to meet people which will take you out of your routine
– Attend one or more of the many meetups that now focus on entrepreneurship and startups
– Set aside one evening week to go to a scheduled eventa scheduled commitment increases the likelihood you will go
– Hire a part time employee or move your business out of your house.
– Work out of a co-working space that are now in vogue and may be within reasonable distance to where you live
These are some of the ways to keep yourself more relaxed by having channels set up to release your stress and receive energy from others.
The challenge of isolation arises from unhealthy routines that persist for too long. Since it is a common issue, it should not be minimized or dismissed; it should be dealt with proactively.
When taking on the challenge of business ownership, be aware that you must learn to manage both your business and your head to be successful.
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