Are You Nearing the Bursting Point?
Since my bursting point story came out last month, I’ve had Virtual Assistants email tell me they relate to my experience … and others have asked me “Cindy, how do you know when you’re nearing the bursting point?“
I remember when I first hit my bursting point … I didn’t really know what I was dealing with. I just knew that I was stressed, sad, angry and ready to close the door to my office, never to return.
But how do you distinguish between a bad day and the actual bursting point? Here’s a few signs that you are at the bursting point (from the book Becoming an Online Business Manager by Tina Forsyth)
-
You don’t have enough hours in the day to get your work done, and you are falling behind on many of your
commitments -
You are feeling overwhelmed and are starting to dread hearing from your clients
-
Clients are starting to get upset with you as the work is coming late, is not complete or is incorrect
-
Your family and friends are asking “Why do you work so much?” or “Are you on that computer again?”
-
You don’t have time to say yes to any new and exciting projects or clients that come your way
(including those that pay a higher rate) -
Work has become a drag; you aren’t enjoying it anymore and may even start to avoid it or get depressed
(this is a big sign of burnout!)
Does any of this sound familiar to you? If yes, you may very well be at the bursting point in your business.
To those of you who have not had the ‘privilege’ of experiencing the bursting point … don’t worry … you will! 
And to those who have … you’ll likely experience many times to come. However, each time it gets a little easier to deal with.
One thing that I fully believe in is sharing my experiences – both good and bad. I want others to learn from what I share … not because it will prevent you from going through it yourself, but because in our virtual world, we may often feel that we’re the only ones dealing with certain things. Let me tell you … you’re not! So if you can gain even a teeny bit of comfort in knowing that I’ve been there too … I’ve done my job.
And quite honestly, I’ve hit the bursting point many-a-time. Just ask my partner-in-crime Tina … she’s been at the receiving end of my venting and thank goodness for me that she was. I’ve hit the bursting point when I:
-
had too many clients
-
over committed myself and took on too much responsibility
-
couldn’t say no to ridiculous requests
-
didn’t stay true to myself, my family and the real reason I set out to build my business
Have you hit the bursting point and are willing to tell us about it?
Share with us below .. .we’d love to hear from you.
Haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing the bursting point yet? What has impacted you most from the details I (and others) have shared with you about their experience? Please share your comments below.
Tags: bursting point, Cindy Greenway, online business manager, Tina Forsyth
April 23rd, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Thank you so much. It’s now a few minutes since I had my crying episode from my so called “Breaking Point.” You ask me what lead me to realizing it is my breaking point as we speak? Because it is so fresh I’m using this somewhat as therapy to write it out. The tears are still rolling……
1. Last week a fellow networking aquainted suggested I promote too much on networks.
2. Just this week I’ve been telling myself and husband I just wish time would fly so quickly
3. My client made sure he told me a project was in my court, not his:(
4. The cleaning lady I hired to help me not get to this point, upset me because things weren’t done my way.
5. My 7 year old’s teacher just called and ask if something was happening at home because he’s not concentrating much lately.
The last one is what brought me here. When the bursting point starts effecting my family I have to do something. However my question to you Tina & Cindy. What do you suggest next. I really think I need a coach to help me with this point of my business. I don’t want to shut my doors but I need someone in the virtual world to put things in perspective for me. Please please shed some light on my situation. A year from now I pray that I can shine like the two of you do here on this blog.
Collette Schultz
April 23rd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I know the bursting point only too well. I sat at my desk in tears one night because I had so much work to do and I didn’t know how I would find the time to do it. I had a team of VA’s to help me but I still couldn’t do it.
I realized I was trying to raise a young family, run a busy multi-VA business AND work as an online business manager at the same time. I was home with my children but I never saw them. I was at my desk all the time. I worked evenings as well to keep on top of things and I still got behind.
So, I closed down my multi-VA business and work with only a couple of clients now. I am even slowly paring that down too. I am moving towards working with one or 2 clients at the most. My life is much less stressful and I am a lot happier. My children and my husband are happier too.
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Wow … thanks for posting ladies. It truly is a VERY difficult place to be. I can relate to everything both of you mentioned in your post.
It takes strength to open up the way you have here. The first step to dealing with this issues is acknowledging it and opening up yourself to make changes.
Collette – I will connect with you separately …. I sure do have some things I can help you get beyond this and on track with building the business you originally set out to create.
Thank you!
Cindy Greenway
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 pm
I just wanted to give you a big virtual hug Collette! We so understand where you are, and there most definitely is a way out of the bursting point…
Along with being there ourselves, we’ve seen so many people reach this point in their business… and the big opportunity here is choice. As you shared Shari, you made the decision to close down some things and focus on others… this is HUGE and is really important when it comes to creating a business that actually serves us (as well as us serving our clients.)
April 29th, 2010 at 6:17 am
I seem to reach that point every once in a while, but your “Managing Multiple Clients” program really helped me with that. Since taking it, I’ve started saying no to clients and projects that don’t really excite me, and that has allowed me to focus on those that do and continue enjoying my work.