Work-Life Balance?

Does work-life balance exist for small business owners?

TBD if you ask me.

As the sole member of my company, I’m still trying to figure out what this looks like. If I don’t do something for a client or my business, it doesn’t get done. When I started my business last April, I would have to pry myself away from my computer at night. I would easily sit at my desk from 8 AM-7 PM. I was bursting with ideas, excitement and energy for my business.

While I still have enthusiasm for my work, it is work at the end of the day. It’s why we get paid.

One year into my company, I’m trying and sometimes failing at achieving an ideal work-life balance. Some days I find myself glued to my computer all day, taking little to no breaks and eating lunch at my desk at 3:30 PM. I’m exhausted almost all of the time, feel drained and just want to stare at my TV when I finally decide to stop working for the day.

This doesn’t feel sustainable and can sometimes feel like I’m back in the corporate world working for someone else.

These thoughts and feelings have me wondering if finding a true work-life balance is realistic for a small business owner? Most business owners I know (especially my fellow solopreneurs) are burning the candle at both ends. They don’t take time off, work through illnesses and push themselves too hard.

I keep joking with my friends and family that my company offers unlimited, unpaid time off. While this is funny to say, I haven’t had any paid time off since August 2023. If I get sick, I either suck it up and push through it, OR I get massively behind with my work. I got COVID last October and still worked every day that week despite feeling terrible.

Sure there are perks to being your own boss, but do the benefits outweigh the costs? Time will tell.

I know my creativity, attention to detail and zest for new projects suffer if I’m feeling burned out. Hanging out with my dog, spending time in nature and reading help me stay grounded in times of stress. Sometimes a few breaths of fresh air can reenergize me when the late afternoon slump sets in.

If you read my founder’s journey, you know that I never set out to be an entrepreneur. Nevertheless, she persisted, and here we are.

I do know that if I don’t take care of myself, take breaks when I need to and step away from my work, I will get burned out. My body will stop me in my tracks even if I still have the drive to continue working and pushing.

If you’re a fellow solopreneur, how do you tackle trying to establish a work-life balance? Is it realistic to think one person can run a successful business while taking care of themselves, nourishing their relationships and pursuing their passions outside of work?

While I’m enjoying working for myself more than I anticipated, I know I need to put my oxygen mask on first and remember to breathe.