Newly self-employed and work/life balance

[WhatDidYouMakeOfThat]

I became self-employed at the end of the summer after 25 years of being employed.
It’s been a big change but l’m glad I’ve done it and I’m enjoying it.

My question is for other more experienced self-employed people, how do you switch off from it? I find myself regularly checking my banking app, by accounting software or following up on work emails.

Previously I’ve been quite good at not letting work slide into my personal time but it’s feeling very different with my own business. It’s not that I have to do these things, I’m choosing to. But will I regret it in the future if I’m not more boundaried?

Any thoughts?

You don't really. You always want to drum up work and worry about dry periods. And I say that as someone whose business is very successful and has a large waiting list. I made sure to block out my diary - for instance I kept Thurs afternoons free and didn't book clients in then. But I always respond to emails quickly and keep up with paperwork.

It is different in that I might check on things at strange times - this can be a plus and a minus.

I don't reply to my clients at unusual times though as it sets the tone that I'm available 24/7. You can draft the emails and then schedule them to send in the hours you'd be happy to contacted.

27 years in business here. Just checked my emails and answered a few (with delayed delivery!). I think when you start out, you are the job and the job is you.

Just to add that there are many upsides to being self employed (I am unemployable now!) and one of them is flexibility with your time - and that works both ways.

Thanks all

You don’t In my experience!

I work all the time. But at least it’s mine, and the business is doing extremely well. Good luck!

I am self employed and working or thinking about working most of the time.
I don’t mind because I’m doing it for me rather than to make some random company a profit but there is sometimes a residual stress in it.