Thinking of quitting your biz? Read this first.

Nov 6, 2018

Her eyes were bloodshot. Her nails were bitten to the quick. And she had the
desperate air of a woman one e-mail away from completely losing her sh*t.
 
She told me gravely…
“I’m done. At this point, I can’t do it anymore,
my clients suck and I’m poor, I should just quit!”
I listened to her complain about her crappy clients, moan about the moronic projects she’d been accepting and cry over her dwindling profit, all while nodding along sympathetically.

Then I said: “I hear you. I feel you. Like you, I’ve been there too. But …”

Taking a deep breath, I rolled out my patented Anna Dower pep talk. It was well-worn, like a favourite pair of jeans, because not only was I used to using it on myself, but it was a tried-and-true conversation I’d had with dozens of other women over the years. 

So, if you’re feeling like you’re ready to break-up with your business and rebound by working nine-to-five for the man … This pep talk is now for YOU. 

I totally get that quitting would make your life easier.
All of that crushing responsibility and pressure? Adios, amigo! 


And sure, for a while at least, life would feel good. 

But …

There was a reason you started your own business in the first place. 

And if you’re anything like me, and the hundreds (if not thousands) of other women in the same situation, it was ‘cos there was something inside of you that wanted to make your own rules, be your own boss and create something amazing.

Those flames don’t just go away. 

And the good news? You probably don’t really want to quit. 

If you’re feeling fed-up, overwhelmed and piss*d off, chances are you’re on the road to burn out, NOT failure. 

This time of year is hard; everyone is tired and ready for a break, so don’t make any rash decisions right now. 

Step away for a bit and listen to what your body and soul needs. 

When I am reaching breaking point, this is what I do:


I get a health check-up: When your emotions are starting to overwhelm you, schedule in a visit to see your doctor and get a blood test to check your iron, folate and vitamin D levels. These could all be contributing factors to your feeling crappy.

Ask yourself the tough questions. Start with, “What do I want?” And then, 
“What changes can I make to help me get that?’ That could mean new systems, processes and boundaries for your clients, or even changing who you target. The most important bit though? Stop whining about it and make a plan to change it. Design Biz Bootcamp will be back in 2019, maybe it is the answer?

Decide on a reward! Yep, treat yo self. Set a small goal with a pressie for 
yourself at the finish line. Life is pretty dull when all you do is work.

Work less. Yeah, you’re tired which means you need to work less. This will not be forever, trust the wave and ride it out.

Lean on them. Know that you have people on your team to lift you up when you’re feeling down. it’s corny but I believe in you. I believe you can push through this and thrive again AND there is a whole possé of Designer Boss-Ladies that have your back.

‘Cos at the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.
(Which be true, because bad-ass Frida ♥️ Kahlo said it.)
Don’t quit. Rest.

Love you, boss lady. 
Anna xo

 

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