Illness and self employment

[cat42]

Just feel like I need somewhere to vent, and wondered if anyone’s gone through anything similar and has advice.
I’m a one man band doing lash extensions with mainly regular clients, Iv very full working 53hr weeks. I’m in the process of trying to drop down to 40hrs as my dad is about to start a 18 week course of chemo, I need more time off to help my Mam as it’s only the 3 of us.
Then last week I found a lump in my breast, it’s probably nothing but I’m due to see the breast Clinic in 2 weeks (it’s says on the letter it’s a 3 type assessment and a biopsy could be taken the same day) , the day of my appointment I’m working 9.30am till 10pm and I have no where to move clients.
I’m really really struggling and I just don’t know what to do, I don’t want to tell them the reason I need the day off, do I do discounted new set for October November? Do I open the Sunday up and work then instead? I’m just not coping with the work load (which iv done relatively happily for 4 yrs) at the moment but don’t know what to do.

 

[BannerPenguin]

Work smarter, not harder. Put your prices up which will see a drop in clientele while maintaining the same/if not more cashflow. Makes your hours more manageable.

Sorry to hear about your dad.

I suddenly lost my nan to a short fight with Cancer and I must say all my clients were very understanding when I had to several 500mile round trips to see her beforehand and for the funeral etc.

At the end of the day, family is more important than anything.

 

[user 111574]

Very sorry to hear about your Dad and yourself. It's very difficult when these things happen especially when working full time, however, keep a focus on the important things in your life like your Dad and your own health.
My suggestion would be to cancel the clients you need to and tell them why.
It may feel very personal to you at the moment, but I think you will be surprised at how supportive and understanding your clients will be. If you need further time off it will be easier to explain in the future too if they understand the reason.
Ultimately, it's not the end of the world if someone has to wait a couple of weeks for their lashes.

Looking long term at your work/life balance, I would also suggest that you put your prices up a lot from say December or January. This will shed some clients and you will still be on the same amount of money and working less hours.

Very best wishes,

 

[AcidPerm]

Sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time at the moment and it must feel like you’re juggling a lot of balls in the air.
You obviously need to prioritise your appointment and move your clients so contact them ASAP and just explain that you have to attend an urgent medical appointment in 2 weeks time. If anyone is rude enough to ask just tell them you’d rather not go into details until you know more. Hopefully, that will allude to the potential seriousness without making you feel uncomfortable. After all, it’s none of their business.

We all need time off to re-charge our batteries periodically so don’t feel bad about re-arranging or cancelling their appointments. You’ve been working really hard whilst also trying to support your family through a stressful period so accept that for a time you will be working reduced hours. As the other geeks have suggested, a small price increase will help cover some of the shortfall.

Although most clients will be understanding some might not be, so you need to be prepared for that and to accept that’s some people are only ever interested in getting their own needs met regardless. I’d also advise not putting yourself out for the really awkward clients as they’re inevitably the ones who will least appreciate it. So definitely don’t start working on Sundays.

My husband went through chemo in 2013 for a blood cancer and is doing really well so fingers crossed that your dad responds well to the treatment. Good luck with your appointment and look after yourself and your mam. xx

 

[cat42]

That you so much, reading your comments have helped me calm down and de stress, and it’s made me realise that I’m not being unreasonable.
Iv always been so accommodating and worry about the back lash if I’m not (my Mam has always said I’m too soft to be self employed )
Thank you, and thank you for the well wishes.