Handling the Stress of a Home-Based Business

Posted on March 15, 2007 in Money Matters by byronb

Working at home can be very rewarding. You get to choose your own hours, choose who you want for clients, and so on. However, freedom also comes with stress. Some popular stress triggers and how to deal with them follow.

Motivation is a top issue that work-at-home people run into a lot, daily sometimes. Not everyone is cut out to run their own business, set their own hours, etc. However, nearly anyone can learn. A person is not necessarily born with the knowledge and skills to run a business from home, in other words. They can be learned, regardless of age, gender, race, income, socio-economic level…or anything. So check out motivational books form the public library, listen to motivational cassettes, read motivational articles online. Figure out what you aren’t doing right in your business, what you need to do, and how to do it. Then like Nike, “Just do it!”

Low self esteem is another issue that rears its heads form those who work at home. Too often, times come where business lags, you need more clients, more sales, more work. And your brain starts thinking about those “lucky” stiffs with jobs who get paid vacations, sick days, payment during down times, etc. And you start feeling sorry for yourself. During these times, it helps to write out your woes. Make a list of all that bothers you: lack of clients, lack of income, lack of time off. Then start finding solutions and putting them to work. Schedule some fun time off in the near future. And in the meantime, increase your marketing and sales efforts. Crank out a new promotion for a new product. Network with some business associates and work a joint venture together; two heads are better than one! Head to the Small Business Administration (SBA.gov)

Loneliness is an issue from time to time, too. Some people miss business discussions and networking, so get out there and take a course and attend industry events. Check with local associations and Chambers of Commerce in your area and sign up for events. Plan and go!

Making decisions can be tough sometimes. Figuring out how to grow your business, how to stay on top of things, how to deal with financial messes and more can all add up to a lot for one person at home to handle. At times like these, hire help form a business coach. Search the Internet and ask around among colleagues for recommendations. A couple of consulting sessions with someone who’s “been there, done that” can push you farther ahead much faster.

Comments