Entrepreneurs Stress
- Why might high levels of stress and burnout be especially prevalent among entrepreneurs?
Answer: Entrepreneurs and self –employed individuals experience high levels of stress and burnout from working for long hours with strict deadlines, high responsibility levels, and demands that are considered excessive on their time. Research done shows that occupational stress is experienced in many professions. The entrepreneurs’ familiar sources of pressure at the workplace include; work relationships, work, and life balance, overloading oneself with tasks, job security, control, resources and communication, the job aspects, and the pay together with the benefits (Barclay, 2015). At the effect of stress, entrepreneurs could suffer burnout, something that can lead to having intentions on quitting. Having in-depth research on different individuals that are into different businesses brought out that generally, the cause of stress that leads to burnouts is related to business skills that are required, others having high expectations and responsibility, and the work pressure.
- What are some ways that entrepreneurs can cope with stress and avoid burnout?
Answer: To avoid burnout, you have to have management on your expectations and set realistic goals. Also, they should try starting a journal that has been proven to have a production on positive mental health effects: let the entrepreneurs write down everything that acts as trouble to this will make it easier to prioritize and dismiss their concerns. The creation of a Daily Structure will help prevent oneself from getting overworked. Also, they should identify their stress triggers, which will help to maintain a positive attitude, make one feel productive, and be happy with the business development. Having a clear distinction between your professional and personal life can help prevent burnout and cope with stress. Finally, try keeping your vision in mind as this will be their drive throughout the venturing process (Bressler, 2020).
- Why might tough economic times be especially stressful for the self-employed?
Answer: When the household income remains so stagnant, and consumers keep their pockets closed, the self-employed are hit the hardest. The truth is that there is much worry when it comes to money when one is independent. It becomes so difficult even to have one’s basic needs. The taxes that need to be paid, as the amount of money one is getting, should be calculated in terms of profit, not the available cash. Working with the cash and benefits acquired becomes so difficult during tough economic times (Hessels et al., 2017). This is more stressful, something that leads to individuals having stress and even having thoughts of quitting entrepreneurship.
- Why might it be essential to take time off even when it seems like the worst possible time?
Answer: Small business owners tend to find it challenging to having time off. Their imagination on them leaving behind the company they have always worked hard for in a few days is null. Research shows that the entrepreneurs that are into the business industry. Most of them need a vacation so much. To avoid all the stress and burnout issues, having a vacation is the only thing that can help an individual. Take time off business, try having family times with no store involved, and see the difference when you return to the store. Letting the mind have a relaxation from the monotonous daily business activities will help you be fresh and come up with new ideas that can be so helpful (Onstad, 2017).
References
Barclay, S. J. (2015). BURNOUT, FATIGUE, AND STRESS FACTORS IN SOLO ENTREPRENEURS. A thesis submitted at the Australian Institute of Business.
Bressler, M. S., & Bressler, L. A. (2020). MINDING YOUR BUSINESS: HOW ENTREPRENEURS MANAGE STRESS. MANAGERIAL PERCEPTIONS OF STEM WORKFORCE SUPPLY AND DEMAND, 29.
Hessels, J., Rietveld, C. A., & van der Zwan, P. (2017). Self-employment and work-related stress: The mediating role of job control and job demand. Journal of Business Venturing, 32(2), 178-196.
Onstad, K. (2017). The weekend effect: The life-changing benefits of taking time off and challenging the cult of overwork. HarperCollins.