I’ve been having quite the inner struggle lately with balancing work and play in my life. I am so thankful for the growth in my business in the last year. It has done nothing but push me harder to ensure that it continues on this path. That being said, by throwing myself into this at full force there are fewer and fewer minutes in a day that I’m not thinking about what I need to do for my business.
Sometimes I think, what’s so bad about being inspired? What’s so bad about being passionate about something? Isn’t it a good thing to have a vision and a dream and the dedication to try to get you there?
But what happens when these things start to interfere in other areas of your life? Your relationships, your freedom. I can’t seem to find where the line is supposed to be drawn.
And I can only imagine how it is for people who are full-time independent business owners. To have the constant pressure of using only an Etsy shop or blog to make a living, on top of the stress that, well, your job hours are 24/7 whether your friends and family understand that or not….it sounds complicated.
But it’s what I want. I want to continue at this pace because I’ve never felt so passionate about what I do. I’ve never had my dreams for the future so clear, and so right there in front of me, just a little out of my reach. I’ve never worked so hard before, and my business has also never been doing better. I know these things are correlated and it helps me to keep pushing, dreaming, and brainstorming the next thing that will take me closer to my dream.
I know in time I will continue to learn how to have a better balance with everything. But for now, any words of wisdom are welcomed and appreciated! xo, Julie
I actually feel exactly the same….and although I do feel sometimes almost guilty for being so dedicated to this dream of mine….I think because it makes us so happy the others around us are bound to understand. That being said, my 4 year old needs my attention the most so I try my best to not be connected online at all when I am out with him…it makes me focus on him and I really look fwd to coming back home because I am so excited to see how my shop did while I was gone. 🙂
I think just like you I see clarity for the first time in what I am doing and this is natural to me….and even if it takes a lot of our time, it is what makes us thrive. So don’t feel bad….just go ahead and dream!
Thank you BTW so so much for hosting the giveaway! 🙂
I think I understand…although I would love for my business to start growing like that!
I think it is a struggle many deal with.
There are some who choose the path of going after “it” and others who focus on I’m not getting there.
Your focus for your business is where it needs to be.
We all have to step back from crafting and promoting online to spend time with our relationships and our chores.
I just think a good rule of thumb is to back away from the computer when you feel tired. Even if you stay logged in, just pop back and check to see if there is any business issue you need to deal with.
Have a wonderful day!
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http://christiecottage.blogspot.com
That’s awesome though! It is wonderful to be inspired and to be so passionate about what you do! It’s true that when you’re starting out it may affect other areas of your life, and of course you should always take some time to relax and have fun so you don’t get burnt out, but everything will work its way into a routine for you. You should be really proud of all your awesome progress! Not many people have the chutzpa to go for their dreams and you are making it happen! 🙂
Girl I am with you! There just isn’t enough time in the and a lot of the time, I feel like my day job is keeping me from my dream job. You have to give yourself days off. For me, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my Computer Nights Off and that is when I get to just sit on my couch, watch a movie with my boyfriend, knit, do anything BUT think about my business. I started doing this earlier this year and it’s pretty nice, you should try it. 🙂
It is so hard to find that balance and sometimes I don’t think I ever will. It sounds like you know what you want and you will get it. Keep doing what you are doing and in the meantime, I’m sure you will find little things along the way that will make things easier.
I’m right there with you. My business had a great summer, and I’m so excited that I’m finally seeing significant growth, but it was also a big adjustment that came with a lot of stress. I’m not sure what your creative process is like, but two things helped me manage all of the orders: work assembly-line style, and don’t do the same thing everyday. Making similar items at once is a huge time-saver, and breaking up my tasks into daily chunks kept things from feeling tedious. Also: write everything down. Everything.
Good luck! Just focus on how close you are.
Do what you feel it’s right for you. You are building the foundation, you are taking care of your self and you have your priorities but don’t forget the ones that love you as well, they are or could also be part of that foundation.
The long way is the shortest way!, shortcuts only brings trouble.
Don’t worry, you are doing fine.
I 100% understand and relate! If you learn of a good spreadsheet to help with time management I’d love to hear 🙂
I’m so with you here. My shop has been open about ten minutes, and I am already feeling torn between time spent promoting, and quality time at home. I see people who seem to spend all hours of the day working on their online ventures, and while a part of me is jealous, I have to wonder what they’re missing out on too.
I don’t have any words of advise unfortunately, but I want to say thank you for posting this! Now I know I am not the only one who feels this way.
My online venture is certainly not my only income, I just started being serious about it a few months ago, and as soon as I get home from my “real” job, or have a day off I am busy busy busy listing things, or editing photos, or blogging or just trying to get my foot in the door. And if I’m not, I feel guilty about it. I understand that with so much competition it takes A LOT of work, but it shouldn’t eat up all your time should it?
Tomorrow though, I made a commitment to relax at the beach with one of my girlfriends and not worry about whats going on in internet-land… at least for a little while 🙂
First of all, congrats on the growth of your business. I understand that inner struggle 🙂 We are both in a similar place at the moment. I think that everyday is an educational experience, and as you go on with your business – you will find more ways to find balance. Everything is kind of trial and error. Think of where you will be in a year from now. Your business will grow, but so will you!
I know this post is already 6 months old, but just found it… and love it. Very inspiring and oh-so-true. Thanks Julie!
This is an excellent point. Back when I worked a “real” job I was so unmotivated and totally hated it. Now that I’m back in school and working at my Etsy shops instead, I find myself burning the midnight oil – because it’s fun and I enjoy it! There’s something to be said for finding something you love. 🙂