…at full capacity for awhile means eventually you have to catch up.
It’s been a long almost 5 months. 5 months of coping after losing a family member. 5 months of wondering why, thinking ‘if only’ and back tracking through our minds wondering if we could have changed what was to be. Life for my family will never be the same – it’s now got a different feeling to it.
You know, it’s hard enough struggling with a bereavement in any circumstances but when you’re self-employed there are extra things you need to think about.
- You don’t get compassionate leave
- You don’t get sick leave
- You don’t have any leave up your sleeve
- Your clients still need to be looked after
- Daily activities still need to be completed
- Bills still need to be paid
So, going back to my subject heading I spent a few months not operating at full capacity and even though the majority of my clients were being looked after (initially by my team members and then me as I started to take on work again) the reality is that I still had to catch up on bills, and other regular commitments.
For those of you out there who are like me, self-employed, it is important that you think about how things would be looked after if you had to take time off for awhile. It’s a rather sobering thought and not one I would wish upon you but definitely one you need to consider.
Thankfully I already had systems in place – a phone call and email or two and everyone was being looked after and I could grieve in peace with my family. I slowly picked up the reins again several weeks later but it wasn’t until end of January that I could even invoice for a full month of work. That kind of hurt the back pocket somewhat!
I’m sharing this because I want to encourage all of those out there who are running businesses of their own that to set up systems and have people you can hand things over to at short notice will help save your business in the long-term – when you’re ready to go back to it.
In the meantime, thank you to those who periodically check on me to see how I’m going. I’m returning back to normal slowly and one day I’ll be back to face-to-face networking and participating in in the mastermind groups I’ve enjoyed.
Diane Coville says
First of all, Kathy, my condolences on your loss. Good for you that you had foresight in setting up a plan.
For those who have joined their local Chamber of Commerce, I am told their group rates for insurance plans to cover Short and Long Term Disability are much less costly than getting into an individual plan. And, in the Virtual Assistance industry, especially in the groups and organizations I belong to, I have many connections whereby a call for assistance would provide a short-term solution to continue the same level of service to my clients. However, I’m not so sure about a long term plan.
Good food for thought.
Kathie Thomas says
Thanks Diane. Not sure if my insurance will cover this, i.e. I have crisis recovery (income protection) insurance but it will only cover you for a percentage and only after a period of time. I am seeing my agent soon though so he’ll be able to let me know.
Beverly Mahone says
Kathie,
I have actually thought about this very subject. With the economy being the way it is, my husband and I have been working on a plan to sustain us in the event that he would lose his job. It’s a scary thought but I know you’ve got to get over the fear and take care of business. If you don’t, the FEAR will turn into a NIGHTMARE if you don’t have a plan.
Thanks for another great post!
Melodieann Whiteley says
I’m glad you had plans in place already for emergencies. Most people don’t think about it until it’s too late. My husband’s heart attack two years ago showed me just how unprepared we were.
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