Entrepreneurship Stress

You wanted freedom, but now the business owns your days, your nights and your worry. Payroll is due, a client has not paid, and there is nobody to hand the problem to. Many business owners feel this way and hide it well. You do not have to carry it alone.

What is happening

Running a business, whether it is a spaza shop, a taxi, a salon, a construction company or a consulting firm, means carrying risk that employees do not see. Income goes up and down. Big clients, and sometimes government departments, can pay late, which leaves you short when you need to pay staff, SARS or suppliers. Load-shedding, crime and rising costs add pressure you cannot control.

Many owners also feel isolated. You may not want staff to see you worried, and family may not understand. Personal and business money often gets mixed, so when the business struggles, the household does too. Over time this constant pressure can lead to burnout, poor sleep, heavy drinking, irritability at home and bad decisions made in panic.

Stress is not a sign that you are a bad business owner. It is a sign that you are carrying a real load. Looking after yourself is part of looking after the business, because the business depends on your judgement.

Signs to notice

• You check your bank balance many times a day and feel dread each time.
• You cannot remember the last day you did not work or think about work.
• You are short-tempered with staff, customers or family.
• You rely more on alcohol, gambling or other substances to switch off.
• You avoid opening letters from SARS, suppliers or the bank.
• You feel like a failure even when you are working as hard as you can.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no, thinking about the last month.

• Have you worked seven days a week for most of the month?
• Do you lie awake worrying about money or the business?
• Are your personal and business finances mixed together?
• Do you have nobody you can talk to honestly about the business?
• Have you used alcohol or other substances to cope more than usual?
• Are you behind on SARS, UIF or supplier payments?
• Have you thought about closing but feel too ashamed to say so?

0-1 yes: You seem to be coping. Keep building habits that protect you.
2-3 yes: The pressure is adding up. Now is a good time to get support and some structure.
4 or more yes: You are carrying a lot. Talking to a professional, and getting business advice, can ease both sides.

What you can do next

• Today: Block one hour this week that is not for work. Put it in your calendar like a client meeting.
• This week: Separate business and personal money if you have not already: a separate business bank account and a fixed amount you pay yourself.
• This month: Do a simple 13-week cash flow forecast: money expected in, money going out, week by week. It turns vague worry into a problem you can plan for. An accountant can help.
• Chase late payments early, in writing, and ask for part payments. Make your payment terms clear on every invoice.
• If you are behind with SARS, contact them or a registered tax practitioner early. Arrangements are often possible, and ignoring letters usually makes it worse.
• Find peers: a business chamber, an industry association, a stokvel or informal owners' group. Talking to people who understand helps.
• If closing is on your mind, get professional advice. Closing properly is not failure and may protect you from bigger losses.

Your tool

Manager Wellness Check - a private check for people who lead others, showing where pressure is building and what to do first.

When to get professional help

If you are not sleeping, feel hopeless, are drinking more, or feel you cannot go on, speak to someone now. If you are in danger right now, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567. For the business side, get financial and legal advice early rather than late.
Who can help: psychologist, counsellor, accountant, tax practitioner, FSCA-authorised financial planner, business attorney, NCR-registered debt counsellor

Getting help in South Africa

The government's small business development and finance agency offers business support and some funding programmes; check the current agency name and services with the Department of Small Business Development. SARS (sars.gov.za) has information for small businesses and tax practitioners. The SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837 (08:00-20:00) can help with stress and low mood. If your business subscribes to Cleared Mind, you can also use the EAP yourself.