Owning a Small Business… and the Stress and Anxiety that May Overwhelm You
My entire life, I’ve heard people say to me, “You worry too much.”
So, my journey of being an artist and owning a small business in these economic times comes to no surprise that it can push me over the edge with stress and anxiety. The biggest fear I’ve had since September 2008 (when the economy collapse was heard all over the world) is, “How am I going to pay my rent? My bills? My student loans?” I went from making $2000-$7000 a month from 2006-2008, to making only $9000 in 2009. Yup! $9000 in ONE WHOLE YEAR… and with that comes the nagging fear of the future.
I’m writing this, not to complain, but to share with you what I do when anxiety creeps up on me. I watch two specific videos (below) from Byron Katie to calm me down, and then I keep working. When I start feeling anxiety again, I watch the videos again… and again and again. It would be too easy to ease the anxiety with things like food or alcohol, but I’ve decided that these videos work for me and hopefully you can find some peace by watching them too. It’s worth a try.
Tags: About Soniei, Art and the Economy, Art Business, Art Career, Artist Tips, Business, Byron Katie, Canadian Artist, Canadian Business, Contemporary Artist, Economy, Happiness, Home Based Business, Pursuing Dream Job, Self-Employed Artist, Starving Artist, Stress and Anxiety, Work At Home, Work From Home
February 24th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Good for you. Stay positive. Fear and insecurity from a lack of money is very common. So long as you stay productive and keep hustling, you’ll come out of it financially.
I tried working on my own on two separate ventures and they both failed. I’m still here. Things fell into place, I’m secure financially. I have ‘other’ problems, but the only way you can deal with it is when it happens. Not after or before, but now. To be honest, I find it inspiring that you made it through last year on $9000 and didn’t give up and join the rank and file of the 9-5 army again.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Dear Soniei. I love your work. Yesterday i have done something for you. Now I read about times you are going trough right now…
I love to paint too, and i want to do it for a living and your stories on this site encouraged me to do not fear and jump
Hope you will like it
http://www.getpersonas.com/en-US/persona/111269
February 24th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Hello Soniei,
I just think you should move off ebay. Also check my post under your selling on ebay post.. I have been making way more off ebay then I ever did on ebay and way more consistently. Even during the recession.
Nathalie.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
I would love to know where you sell your art Nathalie.
Any tips would be great!
February 25th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Great post Soniei, I’m getting ready to make the plunge into full time artist and everyone is telling me its the wrong time don’t leave your great paying job. But I feel there will always be a road block to get around. The economy is a huge road block but if its not the economy it will be something else. Living in the moment is all we can do because right here right now is all that is important. Your work is great maybe at this moment you were meant to stock pile it till things pick up.