How do you deal with getting burnt out as someone who's self employed?

[Anonymous]

I work from home making powersports parts. It's seasonal and I'm already getting burnt out and I'm only in month 2 of my busiest 6 months of the year. I'm so far behind on orders and can't make the product as fast as the orders are coming in, but since I only make money 6 months out of the year I need the money. I'm working 12 hours a day right now and barely keeping up. Any suggestions? I don't even feel like doing anything on the weekends anymore cause I'm so burnt out.

I don't have the room to build up inventory so I have to make the parts as the orders come in. Last year I added a 7-10 day processing time for the orders but that doesn't stop people from asking why their order hasn't shipped out the day after they order it.

And then dealing with angry customers/returns has sent me over the edge this week. I feel like giving up and getting a 9-5.

[jennifer_bloom]

When I used to work at a sales job on my feet, I would get foot pain after a couple of hours but I realized I could usually stand for 6 times longer then the base time that I could stand without having foot pain. Most people are stronger then they think and are able to handle 20 times more than what they believe they are able to handle. But that is with physical stress, emotional stress does have a breaking point because it could damage the organs to have too much emotional distress. I learned that when you have a big situation on your hands, focus on execution, and avoid the emotional biases that make you panic or worry about the outcome. You can perform just as well without fear and worry over how you will perform and when you exclude fear and worry through coping strategies, you do your job with less effort and internal struggle. I am not saying fear and worry is voluntary and easy to control, but it could be reduced through different coping strategies you can find in books or videos online.

[notxing]

I work seasonal too.. my biggest advice is to listen to your body; to know your limits... I can work 18 days straight..14-hour days but I can't work 21 days straight.. I find what helps me in the morning and it's an old-timer method is making a list.. it gives me a chance to organize the day to be more efficient.. if you're feeling burnt out, try multivitamins and omega-3s as well as vitamin D. Try eating more.. and healthier. a nutritional diet.. like a Mediterranean diet on steroids.. (eating a crappy diet will get to you burnt out fast).

Just put it in your mind that that your in the tick if it and weekends are for other people.. I know personally I would rather work 6 months straight and have 6 months off than to have 5 days on and then 2 days off..

I know another commenter says to outsource stuff. That's a good idea. Like planning out your day and web design..

Cheers man. You can get through this..

[Asker]

I appreciate that. What's rough is now it's Friday and I know I have more orders than I can possibly do today and being as burnt out as I am, I want nothing to do with orders over the weekend. Going to get after is as efficiently as possible today and hopefully relax for 2 days.

[DryGermanGuy]

I wish I knew back then, because I ran into the same result with impacts till today. :-(

[AI Opinion]

It’s crucial to manage burnout by setting clear boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Consider these strategies:

1. Outsource or hire part-time help during peak season to manage the workload.
2. Set specific work hours and stick to them to avoid overworking.
3. Communicate processing times clearly on your website to manage customer expectations.
4. Learn to say no to non-essential requests.
5. Schedule regular short breaks to refresh your mind.

Finding a sustainable work rhythm and seeking support can maintain your passion and energy for your business.

[Anonymous]

I think Advisor Smith explained it quite well.