I used to have the same conversation with my girlfriends at early morning exercise every year.
”I’ve been up since 5 am sewing before heading over for exercise. I will be working long hours getting my work done. I am turning work away, but there’s still so much to do. Sigh…”
Every year they would give me the same advice. “Raise your prices so the only ones who call are the ones who can afford you.” I do raise my prices every year. It makes no difference. There is always more work than I can possibly do, I’m turning away business, but I’m trying to find a balance between my sanity and the income potential of adding one more dress to the calendar.
It can be so hard to find that balance.
Watch or listen to the editorial here
So here we are in August. You feel it in your bones. It’s been a long summer. The work has been relentless. You are feeling the burnout. It happens to us all.
This is the perfect time to sit down and look at your pricing and find a balance on how much work to take on. You are feeling the consequences of agreeing to way too much work. So figure it out now while you are still feeling the pain of the struggle.
How do I survive burnout year after year?
I have a few pointers that may help rookies who are being taken by surprise by the burn out. Those, like me, who have been in the bridal alterations business for a while know it’s coming every year. We have survived this busy season and have our own personal strategies. Let me share a few of my own.
See if any of these suggestions might work for you:
- Exercise. It gives you energy. I know you don’t think that makes sense, since it takes energy to exercise, but it really works. It is time well spent.
- Make a “Fun Fund” with a certain amount of the extra $$$ coming in during the busy season. Somehow the work seems less demanding when you can look forward to a vacation after the busy season. The extra work seems more like a reward.
- Get your sleep. Mistakes happen when we are sleep deprived. As a boss, we would never expect an employee to work 24 -7, yet we do it to ourselves sometimes. Treat yourself with the respect that you deserve and would give to your own employees.
I am giving you all so many hugs. I know how hard you are all working and how real the “burn out” feels.
Sweet students, take care of yourself and if things are feeling super overwhelming, you can schedule a zoom and let me give you a cross country hug.
Love,
Dee Dee Anderson
Watch or listen to the editorial here