This thread could not have come a better time!!!
The rewards and trappings of being self-employed can be huge. But, if you work alone, like I do, it’s easy to become isolated, lose track of time and let one day just run into the next. Lately, there have been times when I’ve gone 5 days straight without ever having a face-to-face conversation that’s not job related, other than with my kids. It’s been like that so much this year and I’m finding myself on the brink of Burn-Out as well. Without this forum, it might have already happened.
My day is very structured, at my desk at 9am everyday, 30-45 minute lunch break at 1pm, only answer the office line between 9am and 5pm and never answer the home line during business hours. Doesn’t matter if I’m working into the wee hours, which I usually am, at 5:01, it’s straight to voicemail. Monday thru Friday, other than a few dinners with my sons, nearly every waking hour is work related. That's not to say I'm making money 20 hours a day... I tweak endlessly (cuz it can always be better) and I read, read, read (cuz there's always something new to learn).
My office is at the front of my house, with it’s own entrance, next to the shop which is a three-car garage. I’d rather be in my shop, doing just about anything, than sitting at my desk. Being in the shop or out on an install, is so much more enjoyable than being at the computer or on the phone. But, unfortunately, I’m too new to signage end of the business for it to be a substantial part of my work week.
Anyway, I’m very anxious to read about how others, especially after more than a decade of going it alone, keep from burning out.
Wonder if it's too late to take Rooster’s advice: Don't let your job/profession become your life.