I had to spend several years fixing the damage that resulted from the preceding years of bad decisions. For me the problem was making large financial decisions based on emotion, mostly the desire to please my husband and kids. I've fixed my decision-making process now and we're all much happier because the stress is gone (well, except for normal stress). So the time and effort devoted to fixing was most definitely worth it in the end, and it will be for you as well now that you have some clarity and insight. You may want to find one good accountant for all of your businesses in order to free up time for you to actually do the work you enjoy, as well as a licensed financial planner to ensure that you won't be crippled by money woes when you're old. I offer this advice even though I haven't followed it myself. (The nerve!) But then, I'm not self-employed, and I'm already old. You're a young 'un with talent and valuable skills and, most importantly, supportive family and friends. Good luck on your journey, and thanks for being real.
Yes! That's the light at the end of the tunnel! I am definitely feeling relief sometime soon... Now I just needa figure out where the money to finish the kitchen is gonna come from...
Always love reading your posts! I get design help from a local designer on a super casual basis and she charges for all of her time (as she should!) and recently raised prices. I didn't ask why because she's a small business owner so it just makes sense! She charged for the very first meeting where she explained the levels of design she offered. It was $100 for this one-hour, virtual meeting. She later told me that she holds these meetings so she can determine if she wants to work with the client (she's had some doozies!). I don't have the budget for her big-deal services so she comes over, spends 2 hours and leaves me with a list of recommendations. I love it because I can shop on my schedule. I'm also going to find someone who can advise on what kinds of plants I should have around the house--dog friendly, will grow well in the area, and looks good. I'd also like to find someone who can advise on artwork and tell me 'put this size piece in this spot on the wall.' I have a lot of gifts but not when it comes to anything design-related! :)
I think thr most important questions we can ask ourselves is, "what do I need?" AND, "what do I want?" It seems so simple but we have to get through layers of what we believe we SHOULD want and need before we can answer those questions honestly.
I have seen designers on instagram who have or have had shows offer remote design consultations through some kind of third party booking service recently. Might be something you want to look into if you haven't already.
I have seen these! And actually I was asked to join a few of those sites. My concern is that they're so expensive (like $2000/hour consult) so I felt like it would be too much pressure to basically come up with a design plan for these people pre-call or I would feel guilty for not giving the client enough to merit all that money. But your comment is definitely getting my wheels spinning on whether I should offer this service directly for a lower rate/lower pressure on me. Thanks for commenting you've definitely sparked some ideas here!
My pleasure. I just want to say that the value you put on transparency and integrity is one of the things I admire and relate to most about you. Under capitalism having those values can make "success" in a material sense so much harder to achieve but sticking to them in spite of that is success in itself. I wish you the best of luck in everything!
I appreciate you being so open and honest about the ups and downs in your life. All the detail about the business side is interesting to me too, as someone who thinks about leaving corporate life for more artistic endeavors full time. Now doesn't seem to be a good time, but then when is? Anyway, I am always rooting for you and know you will get back to where both need and want to be and then some.
Thank you for following along! And yeah, you're right. No time is perfect. The lesson of the last few months has been how to try and be happy in less than ideal conditions. I def think the past few years has brought me some strength, which I'm happy about.
YOU are an entrepreneur! Entrepreneurship is the definition of peaks and valleys. I have been following you for several years now and so admire you for trying all sorts of things in your bandwidth. Having had a construction management/architecture firm for 30 years (I am now retired), my advice to you try and forecast for the next 6-12 months ALWAYS. It doesn't always come true, but it helps smoothing out the rough patches.
Lots of moving parts to your business. I can see how stressful that would be. Especially in these weird times when nothing has been predictable. You are so talented and so generous with sharing your experience. I hope you find the balance and security that you deserve pronto! ❤️
I had to spend several years fixing the damage that resulted from the preceding years of bad decisions. For me the problem was making large financial decisions based on emotion, mostly the desire to please my husband and kids. I've fixed my decision-making process now and we're all much happier because the stress is gone (well, except for normal stress). So the time and effort devoted to fixing was most definitely worth it in the end, and it will be for you as well now that you have some clarity and insight. You may want to find one good accountant for all of your businesses in order to free up time for you to actually do the work you enjoy, as well as a licensed financial planner to ensure that you won't be crippled by money woes when you're old. I offer this advice even though I haven't followed it myself. (The nerve!) But then, I'm not self-employed, and I'm already old. You're a young 'un with talent and valuable skills and, most importantly, supportive family and friends. Good luck on your journey, and thanks for being real.
I think once you can rent out the lodge, you'll feel more balanced. (I also think you should charge more.)
Yes! That's the light at the end of the tunnel! I am definitely feeling relief sometime soon... Now I just needa figure out where the money to finish the kitchen is gonna come from...
Always love reading your posts! I get design help from a local designer on a super casual basis and she charges for all of her time (as she should!) and recently raised prices. I didn't ask why because she's a small business owner so it just makes sense! She charged for the very first meeting where she explained the levels of design she offered. It was $100 for this one-hour, virtual meeting. She later told me that she holds these meetings so she can determine if she wants to work with the client (she's had some doozies!). I don't have the budget for her big-deal services so she comes over, spends 2 hours and leaves me with a list of recommendations. I love it because I can shop on my schedule. I'm also going to find someone who can advise on what kinds of plants I should have around the house--dog friendly, will grow well in the area, and looks good. I'd also like to find someone who can advise on artwork and tell me 'put this size piece in this spot on the wall.' I have a lot of gifts but not when it comes to anything design-related! :)
Thank you! And your designer sounds like she has a good system. I like to keep my rates transparent - much more comfortable for everyone.
I think thr most important questions we can ask ourselves is, "what do I need?" AND, "what do I want?" It seems so simple but we have to get through layers of what we believe we SHOULD want and need before we can answer those questions honestly.
I have seen designers on instagram who have or have had shows offer remote design consultations through some kind of third party booking service recently. Might be something you want to look into if you haven't already.
I have seen these! And actually I was asked to join a few of those sites. My concern is that they're so expensive (like $2000/hour consult) so I felt like it would be too much pressure to basically come up with a design plan for these people pre-call or I would feel guilty for not giving the client enough to merit all that money. But your comment is definitely getting my wheels spinning on whether I should offer this service directly for a lower rate/lower pressure on me. Thanks for commenting you've definitely sparked some ideas here!
My pleasure. I just want to say that the value you put on transparency and integrity is one of the things I admire and relate to most about you. Under capitalism having those values can make "success" in a material sense so much harder to achieve but sticking to them in spite of that is success in itself. I wish you the best of luck in everything!
I appreciate you being so open and honest about the ups and downs in your life. All the detail about the business side is interesting to me too, as someone who thinks about leaving corporate life for more artistic endeavors full time. Now doesn't seem to be a good time, but then when is? Anyway, I am always rooting for you and know you will get back to where both need and want to be and then some.
Thank you for following along! And yeah, you're right. No time is perfect. The lesson of the last few months has been how to try and be happy in less than ideal conditions. I def think the past few years has brought me some strength, which I'm happy about.
YOU are an entrepreneur! Entrepreneurship is the definition of peaks and valleys. I have been following you for several years now and so admire you for trying all sorts of things in your bandwidth. Having had a construction management/architecture firm for 30 years (I am now retired), my advice to you try and forecast for the next 6-12 months ALWAYS. It doesn't always come true, but it helps smoothing out the rough patches.
Lots of moving parts to your business. I can see how stressful that would be. Especially in these weird times when nothing has been predictable. You are so talented and so generous with sharing your experience. I hope you find the balance and security that you deserve pronto! ❤️