STRESS at Work as Owner operater?!


Question:

STRESS at Work as Owner operater?

I am 33 own a landscape co. for 15yrs now. Last couple years things have been getting tough, economically, as well as physically. I like being in business for the perks of being your own boss,comp truck, freedom of hours, no boss, but lately I have been put in some positions to make HUGE decisions( mostly where I have been operating out of for the past 6yrs) - kinda getting booted out, and have to find a new place to store my equipment. Also we are not really busy this year,sales are way down but I have hired some extra help since I have a couple minor injuries to my body- cant really afford to have this help but my body and mind need some rest. I have had TONS of stress since the beginning of this season, and I dont know if its the stress that makes me want out or am I just starting to hate my career. I cant completely walk out of the daily grind, but I am trying to get off a couple days per week to get my body healed and figure out alot of the stressful problems that I am up against.

Additional Details

1 month ago
I have a little $$ cusion I can live off to compensate my using addtl labor, but really I cant decide whats wrong. Is it the fact that I do EVERYTHING (wear all the hats) in the business, or is it just the stress of this year? I feel good when I am at home, or on weekends not working. Still constantly thinking of where the next job is gonna come from to keep the bills/payroll paid. I feel lazy some days= like i just dont have the motivation to go to work anymore. I hate feeling like this. At the very least, I must still finish this season. I wish it could be like it was 3 yrs ago. I had no stress, was happy, and liked work.


Answers:

It sounds like to me that you are becoming "burned out".And the daily grind is wearing you down physically AND mentally. I think the mental side of it is enhancing the physical side. Being that when you are pshyc'd about your work you are able to deal with physical ailments more easily. At least I can. But when you are mentally stressed every other issue ,work or physical is harder to overcome and over look. I am a chef of 15 years and have felt the same way . There were days when even before I got to work I was not looking forward to the NEXT DAY. And that's when I decided I needed to seek counsel. In your case of being a business OWNER it is tougher for you. Where as I was able to complete my contract knowing I would be able to look for another chef's position .
Whereas you have the pressure of being responsible for employees and bills directly related to your business.
So ,in conclusion, I would go see a therapist just to talk things out and get "stuff" off of your chest. And maybe entertain the option of joining forces with another outfit such as yourself and merging. Thus ,maybe creating a less stressful and more stable enviornment for you to where you and your partner could split the duties of operation.

Good Luck ,Friend




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