Hi friends,
Let’s get real. Although this career path has it’s great moments, there are also those rare moments when this self employed life can be hard and I just want to call it quits. For example:
Anxiety when I think the client isn’t happy with the treatment
Questioning of my prices
A knock of my confidence or even regret of how I could have done better in a treatment or interaction.
No or few clients
Overbooked appointment calendar / not being able to say no leading to burnout. (lack of boundaries)
Constant restocking or money going out.
Lonely
For me right now I’ve been going through burnout, mismanagement of my time I guess. but it’s definitely had a knock on effect. I’ve been tired and exhausted, lack of motivation, wanting to pack it all in, low, and just negative! Don’t get me wrong, I’m OK now. I just needed a break, to stop and rest (recharge).
Now, if I was giving the newly qualified Jess (the old me) advice. It’ll be to definitely make sure to protect yourself, your time and your boundaries.
Have a separate work phone that you turn off when you’re not working.
decide from the get-go how many clients you want to have on your books, aim for that and manage it.
Properly work out your pricing of services
Factor into your work-life admin days, breaks and days off for family, holidays and fun.
Be intentional in building relationships with other professionals especially Podiatrists.
Have a budget, know what’s coming in and what’s going out and review it regularly.
Celebrate your wins. You are often doing better than you think, but that one bad day can often set us back. Remind yourself that you’re doing great, and if there are any areas to improve, you’ll seek training in that area.
There’s probably more that I’d say to myself but that’ll do for now. The most important one for me, make sure to rest and have time for you and the family.
Well, I hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend. Im sure some of us need to rest, unwind and have fun and to not think about work if we don’t have to!
Jess x