I need some advice on making the psychological shift from being a business employee to a business owner. I started a couple of businesses five years ago, and I’m surviving as it is, but I’m right on the lower limit. I can feel that it’s my own psychology that is holding me back. I don’t struggle with the practical running of the business, my problem is feeling like an exploitative schmuck because I’m charging people money for stuff. I can push just enough to let myself survive, but after that I freeze. It’s a big block for me, and I just can’t seem to get past it on my own.

I know there are tons of business self-help books out there, but I don’t have the time/money to sift through all of them to find the non-icky diamonds in the rough. And I figure there have to be at least a few people out there who have made this transition and faced the same problems. So:

  • Have you confronted this problem for yourself? How did you approach it?
  • Were there any resources you found helpful to wrap your head around the transition?
  • Do you have any experience with business coaches and/or associations, and were they helpful (ie. worth the money)?
  • Are there any Lemmy/Reddit/Discord/other groups you found supportive/helpful?

Thanks much in advance,

~Archie

  • ryathal@sh.itjust.works
    1·
    22 days ago

    Are you doing the job to survive or are you doing it to thrive? If you’re working 12 hour days to keep the business running, you are probably better off becoming a regular employee with a better work life balance and benefits. You should be charging more to afford to hire people to reduce your workload and afford vacation time.

    Charging more also doesn’t just have to be about you making more money. You could establish full time as a 30 hour week or take an entire paid month off for everyone. You could focus on early retirement. You could create a charitable foundation or simply donate to a cause you believe in.