Feeling Overwhelmed and Ready to Give Up
An anonymous account
I’m 30 years old and still living with my parents; I have no social life and have never been in a relationship. Four years ago, I started a manufacturing business after the previous venture I was involved in collapsed due to COVID lockdowns and strikes that decimated the industry for two years.
My business is doing okay, with a turnover of around £100,000 a year, but every time I make some money, it quickly disappears into new equipment. I operate from a 3,000 sqft unit, working alone six to seven days a week. I can’t afford any help or even to pay myself properly; I’m just scraping by, covering my fuel and food expenses with the last of my eBay stock, which is pretty much all from five years ago.
Things keep going wrong on the manufacturing side. I make mistakes frequently, struggle with quality control, and often don’t order all the parts needed for jobs. Some clients provide parts, but it’s frustrating when they never send enough, forcing me to halt work mid-project. I also get last-minute calls from clients expecting immediate work while I’m already tied up with another job, and some clients constantly push for lower prices. I’ve invested 5-10 hours quoting work for new clients, only to hear nothing back. Just last week, someone asked me to do a job for £400 cash, despite the parts costing £750, suggesting I could “write it off” for tax reasons.
Recently, my unit was flooded due to a roof leak from the rain. Thankfully, everything was elevated, so there was no damage, but I lost 2-3 days lifting and drying out the flooring. My car is on the brink of breaking down and needs £2,000 in repairs, yet it’s only worth £2,000 in scrap. I can’t afford a new vehicle, either personally or through the business.
In the past 15 years, I’ve only managed to take one holiday. I unknowingly contracted COVID and spent the entire trip feeling ill. My ski boots no longer fit, leading to a painful week spent alone in my hotel room.
Today, I finally reached my breaking point while running a job. My machine had been malfunctioning all week, requiring recalibration and setup. Today, I had to manually assist the process, but it still didn’t cooperate. I’m behind schedule and now have to inform my client that their order will be delayed until next week.
I see other businesses in the same area thriving, with new cars and employees, while I barely make ends meet.
I’m seriously considering throwing in the towel. I clearly don’t have what it takes to run a business. If I sell my assets, I might be able to afford a small flat and a used car, but at a loss of around 40% of my initial investments.
2 Comments
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a tough time. It sounds like you’re facing a lot of challenges, both personally and in your business. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed in your situation, especially when you’re working so hard and dealing with constant setbacks.
Before making any big decisions, it might help to take a step back and evaluate everything. Here are a few things to consider:
Reach out for Help: Have you thought about seeking mentorship or advice from someone who’s been in a similar situation? Sometimes just talking things through with someone can provide a different perspective and possibly some solutions.
Assess Your Business Model: Are there ways you could streamline operations or reduce costs? Even small changes might help free up time and resources. You could also look into whether there are grants or local programs to support small businesses.
Build a Support System: Isolation can make everything feel heavier, and it’s crucial to have a support system. Consider joining local business groups or online communities where you can share your experiences and learn from others.
Take Care of Yourself: It’s hard to focus on business when you’re feeling down. Make sure to carve out time for yourself, even if it’s just a short walk or a break to do something you enjoy.
Reassess Your Goals: Is running this business what you truly want, or is it time to pivot? It can be difficult to let go of a dream, but sometimes it’s necessary to prioritize your well-being.
Financial Advice: Consulting a financial advisor might help you see if there are options you haven’t considered regarding your debt, expenses, or asset sale.
It’s okay to feel this way—it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for it. You’re putting in the effort, and that alone is commendable. Remember, it’s okay to seek change, whether that’s selling your assets or finding a new way to approach your business. Whatever you decide, make sure it aligns with what’s best for your well-being and future happiness. Take your time to think things through, and you may find a clearer path forward. You’re not alone in this.
First of all, I want to say that your feelings are completely valid, and it’s important to acknowledge the toll that running a business—especially one under these challenging conditions—can take on your mental and emotional health. Your situation resonates with many entrepreneurs who often find themselves isolated in their struggles and questioning their path.
One potential avenue that might help is seeking out local small business support groups or networking events. While it might feel daunting to step out of your comfort zone, connecting with others who face similar challenges can provide not just emotional support, but also practical insights and networking opportunities that could lead to collaborations or mentorship.
Additionally, you mentioned the difficulties with client expectations and price pressures—this is common in many industries, and it often helps to establish clear communication and to set boundaries upfront. Creating detailed contracts that outline expectations, timelines, and costs can provide protection against last-minute demands and pressures. Perhaps consider offering tiered pricing or packages that can help facilitate easier conversations about value with your clients.
On the manufacturing front, consider sought-after workshops or online courses focused on quality control and efficient workflow management. Investing time in learning about these areas might help alleviate some of the operational frustrations you’re facing.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to look into potential grants or financial aid for small businesses affected by COVID—these resources can sometimes alleviate some of the fiscal pressures while you stabilize your operations.
Remember, reaching out for help or taking a step back to reassess isn’t a failure; it can be a route to a