Running a Business

My business feels like its failing. I run it out of my home. I have three employees (four if you count the beta fish, but he's pretty much useless, so let's keep it at three for now) and a CFO. I, of course, am the President. The thing is I pretty much have to do everything since my employees are 3.5 yo, 6 mo old and a Rat Terrier. My CFO is amazing, but works another job full-time leaving little time for this business at home. This feels like it should be easier, but it's not. Every day holds new surprises. Trying to anticipate the needs of my employees, pray that the Rat Terrier doesn't sue for negligence if she has yet another seizure, and keep the business running smoothly is nearly impossible. Throw in some heavy life sh*#, and I don't even know where to start each day. Can you relate? Or is it just me?

I can't seem to keep up with the demands of this job. The endless laundry, cleaning, organizing and reorganizing, etc etc. Did I mention I run this business 24 hours a day/7 days a week. There are no sick days. No easy vacations, as employees must be taken care of in my absence. And I don't feel like I'm allowed to have 'bad' or 'off' days since I directly influence those below me. I still have them, but I feel extra terrible from the guilt of having them.

This particular job lacks concrete direction and objectives. It requires a keen sense of self-discipline, patience, flexibility, ability to have a sense of humor despite feeling anything but humorous, and to see both the big and small picture of each and every day. This job lays the groundwork for my small employees to eventually run their own businesses. Oh, the self-induced pressure. It really is since as long as I lead by example (and feel confident that it's a good example MOST of the time), the kids will be alright.

So I should probably go and get some much need work done. I'm going to make a concerted effort to put a smile on my face and dig deep for that sense of humor I mentioned earlier. I feel I'm suffereing from one of my worst qualities as of late ~ taking myself WAY TOO SERIOUSLY. It's an affliction I've suffered from, well, for as long as I can remember (which honestly isn't that long since I have a terrible memory).

The moral of this story is...lighten up. The business isn't actually going to fail, at least not in the long-term. And there are worse things than not getting the laundry done (or put away), having a messy workspace AKA playroom or being surrounded by pissed employees. At least my fellow co-workers running their own businesses are amazing, always make me laugh and are there to lift me up when I've fallen (like hard, head-first into concrete...or at least, that's what it feels like).

So, here's to other "Presidents"...while we make NO money and receive NO benefits (like health, retirement, etc)...we still have the best job (most days).

Peace. J