Are You Running on Empty? Here’s How to Know if It's Time to Get the Support You Deserve
As a small business owner, you’re used to wearing many hats. From managing client relationships to ensuring invoices are sent out on time, every day feels like a race against the clock. The pressure to handle it all can be overwhelming—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But how do you know when it’s time to hire help, and more importantly, how do you view it as an investment rather than another cost?
If you’re struggling with these questions, you’re not alone. Let’s explore the signs that it might be time to bring on virtual assistant (VA) support and how this decision could not only benefit your business but also help you regain balance in your life.
1. Feeling Mentally Exhausted
Running a business is rewarding, but the mental load can become heavy. You might find yourself constantly thinking about your never-ending to-do list—whether it’s organising your inbox, posting on social media, or scheduling meetings. Even when you’re not actively working, you’re thinking about what needs to be done.
Signs to look out for:
- Trouble switching off from work, even at home.
- Feeling mentally scattered or disorganised.
- Constantly playing catch-up instead of being proactive.
Solution: A virtual assistant can help by taking over the smaller, repetitive tasks that chip away at your focus. This allows you to step into a more strategic role, giving your brain space to focus on bigger-picture planning. You’ll be able to switch off knowing that things are still moving forward in your business.
2. Physical Fatigue and Burnout
Are you working late into the night or starting your day early just to keep up with the demands of your business? This can lead to physical exhaustion, burnout, and even health issues. Ignoring this could mean you’re running on empty, leaving little energy for the parts of your business that truly need your passion and creativity.
Signs to look out for:
- Working excessive hours with no time for rest.
- Feeling physically drained before your day even begins.
- Experiencing health issues due to stress and overwork.
Solution: Hiring a virtual assistant means you can delegate time-consuming tasks such as scheduling, bookkeeping, or responding to client emails. Freeing up your schedule even by just a few hours a week can make a significant difference in your physical well-being and allow you to dedicate time to activities that energise and sustain you.
3. Emotional Strain and Isolation
The emotional toll of running a business can be intense. You may feel isolated, like no one really understands the weight you carry. The constant pressure can wear down your motivation, and before long, the excitement you once had for your business fades into frustration or even resentment.
Signs to look out for:
- Losing the passion you once had for your business.
- Feeling unsupported or isolated.
- Struggling with self-doubt, wondering if you’re enough to keep it all going.
Solution: Having a virtual assistant can offer more than just practical help—it’s also about feeling supported. You don’t have to carry the burden of running everything on your own. A VA can act as your partner, someone who has your back, which can help you feel seen and heard. With support, your motivation can return as you find joy again in the parts of your business you love most.
4. Cost vs. Investment: Changing Your Perspective
One of the most common challenges small business owners face when considering hiring a virtual assistant is the cost. It’s easy to see outsourcing as money going out rather than an investment in the future of your business. But let’s shift that mindset for a moment. What is your time really worth?
If you’re spending hours on admin work that could be delegated, you’re likely missing out on revenue-generating activities or creative projects that could propel your business forward.
Signs to look out for:
- Viewing outsourcing as a cost rather than an investment.
- Feeling like you can’t afford support, even though you’re running out of time.
- Thinking that no one can do it better than you.
Solution: Outsourcing tasks to a virtual assistant frees up time for you to work on high-impact areas of your business. When you look at it through the lens of time, it becomes clear that hiring help is an investment in your business’s growth, not just an expense. Plus, with someone else taking care of the small stuff, your mental energy is freed up, and you’re more likely to feel motivated and creative—two key ingredients to business success.
5. Everyday Signs That It’s Time to Hire a VA
If you’re still unsure, let’s break it down into everyday signs you might already be experiencing:
- Procrastination: You’re avoiding certain tasks because they’re tedious or draining.
- Missed Opportunities: You’ve had to say no to new opportunities or collaborations because you don’t have the bandwidth.
- Slipping Standards: Your work quality is starting to drop because you’re stretched too thin.
- Constant Stress: You feel like there’s no break, and work is always on your mind.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today:
- Audit Your Tasks: Make a list of everything you do in a week. Highlight tasks that you can delegate to someone else.
- Prioritize What Matters: Identify what truly moves the needle in your business and focus your energy there.
- Set Boundaries: Start setting clearer work-life boundaries and look into ways a VA could help you maintain them.
- Reach Out for Support: Even if you’re not ready to hire a VA yet, talk to other business owners or mentors. Sometimes just expressing your challenges can bring clarity.
As a business owner, I’ve experienced all of these challenges myself, which is why I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned in the hope that it helps you too. Working with me directly can start from £35 per hour, with other projects and services varying in price. I understand that outsourcing isn’t always immediately affordable for small business owners, but if it’s a goal for you, I encourage you to plan for it as part of your business strategy.
I’ll be publishing another blog soon to dive deeper into this, but one thing I want to stress is not to make the mistake of hiring a VA with limited funds and expecting an immediate return on investment. It’s never that straightforward. Outsourcing should be approached responsibly, with at least a three-month budget in place to cover VA support. Without this, I often see businesses lose momentum. Even highly skilled VAs need time to integrate into a business, and they typically work with multiple clients, so the results take time to develop. Planning ahead ensures smoother progress and sets both you and your VA up for long-term success.
Ready to Feel Supported?
Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t about admitting defeat—it’s about creating space for growth, both for you and your business. It’s about being able to step back, breathe, and know that you’re supported in ways that allow you to thrive. You don’t have to do it all alone, and you shouldn’t have to.
If this resonates with you and you’re ready to explore how virtual assistant support could help you regain balance, I’m now taking on new clients and projects starting in November 2024. Let’s have a conversation about how I can support you in running your business with more ease and efficiency.
Take the next step toward feeling seen, heard, and supported.
Get in touch today at Launch With Love and let’s discuss how we can work together to get you back on track.