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Can an Entrepreneur Really Take a Vacation?
By Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk
I don’t know about you, but I work a lot. And I mean A LOT! Since I started my company two years ago, I typically work around 60 hours a week, and some weeks are even more than that. This did not catch me off guard, as I was warned that the first two (some say three) years are like this. I’m thrilled to say that my hard work has paid off, too. My company is growing at a healthy clip, and I have some of the greatest clients anyone could ask for. To top that off, I love what I do. So while I long for a break, I’m having the time of my life.
In addition to running and growing a company, I’m also actively involved in a number of organizations. I’m the president of the Atlanta Chapter of the Association for Accounting Marketing and a founding member of the Atlanta Independent Women’s Network, each of which comes with quite a list of volunteer duties and responsibilities. I’m also a part of a few other networking groups, and do all I can to create awareness and provide support for others in the industry. So needless to say, I’m constantly on the move.
What won’t surprise most of you is that I’m a bit of a Type-A personality, so when it boils down to it, I enjoy being active, working hard and helping others. In part, this is what allowed me to start my own company in the first place. Most entrepreneurs I know are similarly juggling many projects and ideas at once. But in the end, we are human and need time to recharge.
We know that all work and no play makes Bonnie a dull girl, and by that definition, I am solidly in the dull category. So, to try to combat this and decompress, I’m taking my first real vacation in two years to celebrate BBR Marketing’s second anniversary and also give my brain and body a much-needed break. It’s time to recharge and think about where BBR Marketing will go next.
So by the time you read this, I’ll be safely ensconced in a lovely hotel in Aruba, drinking fruity drinks, lounging poolside and taking the occasional dip in the ocean to snorkel or body surf. I might even sleep past 8am! I know I’ll enjoy spending some time with my wonderful husband and the friends we are traveling with on this adventure. So come the day after Labor Day, I’ll be back at work with a treasure trove of new ideas and a renewed focus on doing all I can to help my clients reach their goals, and in the process, reach my own.
So I raise a glass to each of you and thank you for your part in making BBR Marketing a successful, growing enterprise. I could not have done it without each of you. Thanks to you, I will be starting my third year with a tan (more likely freckles) and a renewed focus and energy. Cheers!
Great article! I hate to say it… Because I don’t want to ruin your vacation but 60 hour work weeks are the norm… Atleast they have been for me since 2001. It’s a good thing to be busy and I’ve been blessed to know people like you to keep me busy 🙂
Every once and awhile I’ll have a slow week and work 30-40 hours. Then I start getting anxious and nervous that business might be drying up. It’s truly a double edge sword.
Now if I could bill for all the hours I actually work I’d definitely be a richer man but a lot of the work involved in running your own business involves time you can’t bill anyone for.
As for vacations, I try to take 1 or 2 a year. It’s tough though for sure. Trying to relax and enjoy yourself while always thinking about the work that’s piling up or you maybe missing out on can make you anxious. I do my best to keep things in perspective and positive. Everyone deserves time off and no one should work all the time. Life is short and you have to live a balanced life.
I’m glad to hear your living life and taking a nice vacation! Enjoy every moment!
Rock on!
You deserve a break! Enjoy!