[Jewelry making - Article 00647] - Re: [Orchid] Studio Working hours question

[Karen Christians]

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    Ahh, juggling life and work. It's the eternal struggle for those who
    have their own business. You have reached a point where time is more
    precious than money. It sounds to me like your customers are
    directing your life than the other way around.  It's your business.
    You make the rules. If you have a successful customer base, and you
    shorten your hours and take jobs only be appointment, everyone will
    clammer to be there. One law of human nature, take something away
    from us that we are used to getting and we will work harder to keep
    it. 

    My suggestions are as follows: 

    1)  Delegate. Hire people to do those jobs you don't have time to
    do. Customer service, bookkeeping, counter help, etc. 

    2) Ask yourself "what do you want?" List 5 things you want out of
    your job and let go of the others. 

    3)  Raise your prices. I agree with that one whole heartedly. 

    4)  Stop driving around to pick up your supplies. Get your supplies
    delivered to you! 

    5)  Set for yourself a reasonable work day and at the hourly wage
    that feels comfortable. Take two days off. Sundays and Mondays are
    good. 

    6)  Book a vacation for you and your family. Find the slowest time of
    the year and make it a priority.  If you have this much business, you
    get to dictate when your business is open.  If you don't take time
    with your family now, they will regret it later and then resent you. 
    Take at least 3 weeks for one stretch and a week off mid point. 

    As I have been traveling around the world, I noticed that the US is
    the one that works insane hours. In New Zealand, every shop, except
    restaurants, close at 5pm. Shopping is done on Saturday, Sunday is
    for resting. All shops are closed on Sundays. This gives everyone a
    life. If you are like many who don't have the time to stop for a
    vacation, you will get sick and will have forced time off.  Burnout
    is not good. Especially if you have small kids. 

Karen Christians
M E T A L W E R X
50 Guinan St.
Waltham, MA  02451
Ph. 781/891-3854 Fax 3857
http://www.metalwerx.com/
Jewelry/Metalarts School & Cooperative Studio

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