Stressed and regressed

[optimuscoolbeans]

Man I am having quite the battle today. Running a business is some hard stuff and sometimes it just doesn’t seem like the stress is worth it. Feeling like the anxiety is trying to run the show. What do you all do when you have the feeling that you are going for a ride and anxiety is driving.

[Hidden]

What type of business do you run? I'm trying not to top myself tbh.

[Jklassen42]

Sometimes I think if your more susceptible to stress and anxiety.. No it's not worth it to put yourself in that spot. It's like going in the sun and expecting not to get burnt. I'm perfectly happy to work for someone and just work. Not have to handle anything but what's in front of me.

[optimuscoolbeans in reply to Jklassen42]

Had this thought about two billion times.

[onthetrail]

Running a business is really hard. I was in and out of small business my whole career. I was trying to juggle those balls when I had a breakdown and just had to freeze all my professional obligations for a long time. You've got to take care of yourself first, or you can't take care of the business. In the short term, good diet, exercise, days off, simplifying, saying 'NO' to distractions, can you help get clarity. In the long term -- when you are out of crunch mode and can think clearly -- you do have to decide if you're on the right path. I ultimately went back to work for a larger company, and the security and lower stress were important in helping me finish out my career. Your path my be different. I feel for you. You're obviously talented to be running the business. You can find your way.

[optimuscoolbeans]

Thank you for everyone’s input. Yeah I feel like I’ve been in crunch time my whole career.

[laxma]

Let me tell you running a business is a bear. I have had my own ad agency for 25 years and finally I hit the wall 3 years ago when I had a health issue. that issue caused tremendous anxiety which effected my day to day of running the company. I have days that I awake and the fear of going in and managing the clients and employees is overwhelming. some days I just dig very deep and remind myself it will the work will get done. When I do start to freak out I leave and take a walk and sometimes that helps other times I reach for my Xanax and within minutes it calms me down- I do not recommend that but that is my go to. The dose is so small it is like a placebo effect but I feel that it allows me to complete the task at hand. Depending on your business remember being the boss comes with pressure but also allows you some freedom. I have just started to believe that and leave early most days. Hope this helps and keep it up. It is tough but the day always ends.

[optimuscoolbeans]

Agreed. It comes with benefits. But sometimes it is very hard to realize them. I do believe that is my negativity talking to me. And yes dealing with employees is difficult for me.