For Rojas , irritability and anxiety were signs . For instance , he experienced anxiety “ over something insignificant , like a client asking you for a list of services you offer ,” he says . “ That sets you off in a panic . . . you think , ‘ Oh my God , they are going to fire me .’ Burnout is just this absolute soup of head trash and garbage . . . It ’ s the fear of success and fear of failure at the same time . It ’ s ugly and dark .”
How Common Is Burnout For Small Business Owners ?
Burnout , unfortunately , is common . A Gallup poll of business owners found the causes included the uncertainty that comes with owning your own business ( 52 %), always being on the job ( 43 %), and balancing work and family ( 39 %).
Calvano says that often small business owners tend to approach work as something they do to feed and satisfy their ego , which drives them to go out on their own .
Often , she notes , there is a misperception that loving your work is enough , but that does not necessarily safeguard you from feeling burned out .
What Prevention Steps Can You Take ? Here are some ways you can reduce or prevent burnout :
Rebalance your workload – A whopping 97 % of respondents to a 2023 Work-Life Balance study by Walmart Business found that business owners are lightening their workload by allotting time every day for administrative and operational tasks .
Delegate more – Another 81 % of respondents in the Work-Life study are delegating the task of ordering supplies to their staff .
Get a business coach – This can be helpful if the business coach targets the root cause of the burnout or business challenge , says Rojas . However , he adds , “ If you ’ re not equipped to deal with your failures in business and act to resolve them . . . you ’ re not ready for a business coach .” Calvano agrees . “ You can ’ t just say , ‘ I ’ ve hired a business coach ; therefore , I ’ ll be OK .’”
Take a vacation – If you ’ re already laughing at the notion of leaving your business even for one week , author Mike Michalowicz in Clockwork advocates putting documented systems in place so your business can run without you — for a four-week vacation . He maintains your business — and you — will be healthier for it .
Adopt healthier habits – Rojas started therapy at 38 . He weighed 305 pounds and had Stage 2 hypertension . He began a personal training program and got down to 195 pounds , which he has maintained . He says exercise has made him “ mentally and physically stronger .” One of the best things people can do is pay attention to their health , Calvano says . “ Exercise and fitness can be very powerful , especially when you feel powerless .”
Join a peer group – Spencer joined sales and marketing specialist Technology Marketing Toolkit . His peer group provides huge benefits , he notes , “ because now I ’ m in a group with 10 other MSPs across the country , and they ’ re all like my business coach and act as my sounding board . The group offers suggestions based on what they have found useful . It has benefitted us a thousandfold .”
Leverage technology / automation – While automating tasks is not going to “ safeguard you from burnout ,” Calvano says , anything you can do to make your job easier is great .
Don ’ t Wait To Address Burnout !
Burnout does not have to be a chronic condition for MSP business owners . Recognize that you are not alone — others are also experiencing the business , financial , and personal stresses of running a company . Find an approach that works for you and take that first step toward a better frame of mind .
Concludes Calvano , “ If we ’ re not taking care of ourselves , we aren ’ t guaranteeing our ability to continue to offer people what it is we have to offer .’’
Esther Shein is a longtime tech and business writer and editor . Her work has appeared in a variety of publications , including TechRepublic , FierceMarkets , Network Computing Magazine , and The Boston Globe .
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