Comments on: This Self-Employed Life: Sorry We’re Closed

By: Cat (WildCat Designs)

Cat (WildCat Designs) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:21:44 +0000

Hi, I had a similar situation myself just around the Christmas/New Year period. I too was feeling burnt-out and completely overwhelmed with orders. This led to getting the flu and the realisation of having really just too many things going on in my life (up til now I have been part-time self-employed, part-time employed and am completing a one-year web design course). So I bit the bullet and closed my shop for a couple of weeks (even with the knowledge that I often have late-comers for xmas gifts, and last year continued to sell well into the new year) and I tend to be indecisive, so this was not an easy decision to make!
…suffice to say it was the right choice for me, as I have had time to recover and think about things, plus dream up some new product ideas. This actually led to making the decision to quit my part-time job and concentrate on doing what I love (textiles).

By: modernemotive: eco-friendly paper goods » Blog Archive » This Self-Employed Life: Follow Up to Sorry We’re Closed

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:15:41 +0000

[...] of all, I just wanted to thank everyone who commented on this post for their most sincere and thoughtful opinions regarding my struggle about whether to close up my [...]

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:23:41 +0000

I am in the exact same situation right now, with the exact same issues! Working on wholesale…my website…new products…it’s difficult! I, too, am hesitant to close up shop, but at the same time when will my “to do’s” ever get done? Not to mention, keeping my sanity, doing things I love, and spending time with my family all get pushed to the back as well. I still am on the fence right now…I hope you are able to make a decision soon that you are comfortable with!

By: Tara (Boutique Karma)

Tara (Boutique Karma) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:11:32 +0000

Adele,

I think in your situation with Valentines day just around the corner stay open for another 2 weeks and then take a hiatus to work on your other projects. Let your customers know to stock up in advance (and they will).

You have the feedback & the following for your store to survive a temporary closure. Just don’t be a stranger because we’ll miss you :)

Tara

By: Isa Maria

Isa Maria — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:41:26 +0000

Hi Adele,

It sounds like a break from things would do you good. Maybe close down after Valentine’s Day and recharge your batteries in time to launch your wedding line in the Spring.

I know how you feel although I’m not in the same situation. Business is slow for me (growing organically ;) and I have a little boy and another on the way (early days so shhh don’t tell!) I am completely exhausted and I’m trying to launch a new business that will satisfy my creative urges. I love my marketing business as I get to help so many great creative people but my target market has no money and it’s hard to compete with people who are able to be online promoting all day everyday. I have thought about closing for a while while I launch my new biz but since I’m not getting many sales at the moment it wouldn’t make much difference. It’s my blog really that takes time to generate new articles and I do a lot of free work but I don’t want to let anyone down by stopping those.

Anyway I just thought I’d add so you know you are not alone. And really only you know what’s best for you and your business. That’s the joy of being self-employed after all.

By: pennyglassgirl

pennyglassgirl — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:46:16 +0000

Adele,

Sorry that you are faced with such a hard decision. Obviously, you have a lot of people behind you and your business (wow, look at all these great and positive posts!). I closed down for a week just before Christms (crazy, but I couldn’t keep up with everyone’s last minute panic). When I opened up again, I really did have a creative spurt of energy and a new, better rested eye to look at my business.

Best of luck in everything

By: Nicole : Three By Sea

Nicole : Three By Sea — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:58:01 +0000

Girl, I feel your pain. I’m going through some creative crisis of my own and find myself just wanting to unplug from it all and really think about what I’m trying to accomplish and what I’m really all about. I feel like I’m headed in the right “general” direction, but I’m taking some long, roundabout route to get there. If I just stopped for a minute and took the time to map out my route, I might get there a bit quicker than if I just keep using something really vague, like the sun, to guide me! Does that make any sense?! If not, feel free to delete this comment-LOL!

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:09:51 +0000

Adele, I am going through the same thing you are right now. It’s like we are leading similar lives! Although I sell craft supplies it’s still a struggle for me to do everything I want to do every day. I want to start a newsletter, talk more on twitter, research more fabric lines but I just don’t have time to do it all and still take care of my family.

I need to find a more sustainable way to run my business (ie. me not working 12+ hours a day and doing every job – web developer, photographer, blogger, email correspondent, buyer etc) but just don’t know where to start on this. :(

Sorry I have no advice to give you. I do want to say though that I understand your struggle and hope that you’ll be able to figure out the best decision for you and your business.

By: PJ

PJ — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:31:30 +0000

Maybe a compromise would be to stay open through Valentine’s Day because that seems to be a lucrative time for stationers and then commit to closing from the end of February through March?

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:33:11 +0000

Adele, I have found myself in this situation plenty of times. But never did anything about it. I’m actually going to be closing the shop for a few weeks at the end of February. Mostly because I am moving, so I don’t have a choice. But I am also looking forward to the down time to focus on other things. I think you’re doing a good thing. :)