Having your own business is definitely a challenge.
I'm not going to lie, being my own boss is awesome.
I make my own rules and don't have to ask for vacation time for starters.
Not to mention I get to do something I love!
However, it's definitely a challenge as well.
I've mentioned before that I'm a procrastinator, and when it comes to work related stuff I am no different. Especially because what I do is fun (most of the time), I can so easily not take it seriously at times. However, I've learned that when I do that I'm at risk of not having others take me seriously either.
So it's something that I'm working on.
I'm also still working on a good work routine.
Today was one of those days where I sat in front of the computer all day because I let some things build up.
Editing photos, answering emails, posting on Facebook, answering inboxes, texting, blogging, listing things on Etsy, watching tv shows while working on custom orders, writing, instagraming etc. etc.
My eyes are kind of hating me right now.
So my question to all of you is...
How do you do it?
For those of you who have your own business and work from home, what is your routine?
What are your tips?
How do you balance out work life and everything else?
And in the midst of it all find time to relax and do something for yourself?
Please enlighten me!
I'd love to hear your answers.
Because it's something I'm still working on.
And always will be honestly.
Because you can always learn something new:)
hi! I'm Dana, I don't know if I've ever said hi. I don't have my own business, but I used to work from home and I have a piece of advice--don't let yourself stay in your pajamas every day until 4 p.m. just because you can. It sounds awesome, but can get depressing fast. Also, remember that you love it and try not to let it become something that is just work and stress and money. Your etsy stuff looks great!
ReplyDeleteWell, for me it's just the very beginning of online business, but I'm already trying to have everything done well. Usually when I know I have a lot to do one day, I make a schedule. Remember that you should have certain hours for working and you shouldn't feel guilty when you want to take a day off - sometimes it's just necessary.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is absolutely gorgeous. I love this, and I love that you have your own business. I'm jealous! I can't wait to get the point where I can support myself on my own :)
ReplyDeletehttp://lifeatruestory4.blogspot.com/
Hey! My name's Lauren. I've been following your blog for a few months now and love it! I just wanted to say, "Me too, girl!" LOL! I am in the same situation. Working full-time at running my own business, with some in-put and assistance from my partner, but the majority is on my shoulders. Plus, I'm in school and really working hard to graduate in mid-summer. It's tough! I find myself in my pj's for days at a time, realizing that I care more about making my business a success and doing well in school than I do about my own personal care. ha! I've been finding that, just like Joule said, having a schedule planned out on execution times for projects and time off is essential. Another thing that's been happening with me is that I just don't stop! I love what I do, which is very much like you're business, so it is difficult for me to put it down and remember the other things I love doing, like reading, hanging out with people, bike riding, and watching movies (just for fun!). Sometimes, just forcing myself to stop everything, draw a bath, and just sit and meditate for an hour is what I need to recenter myself...get off the work train...and remember to treat myself with the love I want to radiate in my life. I also wanted to say, the random friends I've made online who are also etsy sellers or fellow business owners have really helped me. Just like you did by posting this. I've reached out a lot and gotten just what i need from the community of fellow crafters and artists. Thank you for posting this. Hope we can keep in touch. :) I love your spiritual stuff you post on here too.
ReplyDeleteBackground info: I work 5 days a week at a coffee shop, I run my own photography business, I help run an antique store, and I'm trying to stay consistant on my personal blog: Weary Shoes. We also have two dogs and three cats and a house full of chores.
ReplyDeleteI find that delegating at least one day a week for office-isms(paper work, emails, mailing packages, writing letters, and pre-writing some basic blog posts or even starter posts) helps me out immensely. When I find myself procrastinating, I'll also start forcing myself to leave the house, pack all my stuff, and set up shop in a coffee shop, or library. Giving me less distractions.
Have a designated desk area. Bed edits and blogging is awesome sometimes, but having a place to settle and just work, takes the cake. I end up surfing around when I'm in the living room editing or blogging, but when I'm at my desk, I just work and take small breaks. That's another thing. Breaks! Don't be afraid to leave the house and come back to something.
Last but not least, I have all my calendars synced. Evernote and iCal. And I write lists. So many lists. It's a touch and go thing, keeping everything organized and on time. But never let work overshadow your life with friends and loved ones. That's a quick way to misery. Also, never bring them in completely, but you can invite friends over and write out mailing slips for packages with them, decorating. I make post office runs into a mini date with my boyfriend, we grab coffee, drop of packages, and then take the dogs on a walk. Then back home for me: to work / for him: to sleep/game/tv. Having a willing spouse/significant other, is pretty rad as well, he's usually willing to help out with the things he can do.