The Curtain Falls: My Journey From Burnout to Balance
Running a performing arts school franchise was a dream come true for me. As an ex-performer, it wasn't just a business; it was a huge part of my identity. I poured my heart and soul into it, getting so much fulfillment and creative satisfaction from organising events and creating incredible performance opportunities for my students. I genuinely loved my team and the wonderful kids and their families, and that made it incredibly hard to switch off.
The passion was a double-edged sword. The nature of the business meant that my weekends were totally dedicated to work. My partner, who worked a traditional 9-to-5, and I found ourselves spending very little quality time together. Add to that the intense periods of work surrounding shows and events, my social life dwindled to almost nothing. Despite enjoying the success of the business and feeling proud of what I had achieved, I had a constant, nagging worry in the back of my mind, always trying to anticipate what might go wrong or just knowing the long list of jobs that had to be done. I would constantly live in the future “life will be quieter once this show is out of the way”… etc… etc… but that quiet never came.
It wasn't until COVID-19 hit and lockdown forced the world to pause that the harsh reality set in. Suddenly, the relentless pace stopped, and I was confronted with just how utterly burnt out I was. The exhaustion was physical and emotional; I realised the toll the past 3 years had taken on my mind, body and spirit. It was a wake-up call I desperately needed.
Learning to Spot the Red Flags (in Hindsight)
Looking back, the signs were all there, waving frantically. I was always tired, even after a full night's sleep. My passion for the day-to-day grind was fading, replaced by a constant feeling of being overwhelmed and my focus felt like it was constantly in a fog.
These are the same red flags I now encourage other female business owners to watch out for:
Chronic exhaustion: Beyond just being tired, it's a persistent, deep fatigue.
Loss of passion or motivation: The spark for your business dims.
Irritability and a short temper: Small frustrations become big blow-ups.
Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog": Your mind just feels cluttered.
Neglecting self-care: Your own well-being takes a back seat.
How a Coach Helped Me Rewrite My Story
Once the dust of lockdown settled, I knew I couldn't go back to the way things were. That's when I started working with my own coach, and it was transformative. She helped me process what had happened and, crucially, understand how to build a business that worked for me, not the other way around.
Working with a coach can be an absolute game-changer for any business owner teetering on the edge of burnout, or even just looking for sustainable growth. They help you:
Spot those early triggers: Understanding your personal signs of burnout.
Create boundaries that stick: Learning to say "no" and protect your time.
Strategise for sustainable growth: Developing systems that support you, not drain you.
Reignite your passion: Reconnecting with why you started your business.
Prioritise YOU: Because a healthy business needs a healthy leader.
My New Chapter: Work on My Terms
Since then, my approach to work has completely changed. My partner and family are now my absolute priority, and I refuse to judge my personal worth by how busy or "successful" I appear to be. Work now operates on my terms, with clear boundaries and a focus on impact over endless hours.
To all the incredible female business owners out there: please, pay attention to the whispers before they become shouts. Your well-being is your greatest asset. Let's build businesses that thrive, powered by our energy and passion, not at the expense of our health and happiness.
