NFIB

Consider the Stress Factor When Starting a New Business
04/ 01/ 2002

When we think of starting a new business--or expanding an existing one--very few of us take into consideration the additional stress that comes with such decisions. While some avenues may seem fascinating and highly profitable, the stress they could bring might take a toll on your personal and family life, or even your health. In today's Workshop, contributor Jeffrey Moses discusses six factors that can lead to a stressful work situation.

1. Inherent deadlines built into the work.

Being continually forced to finish projects on a strict timetable is extremely stressful. For instance, there's a world of difference, between operating a restaurant that serves customers at a fairly relaxed pace and one that promises, "If you don't receive your meal in ten minutes, it's free." Such a slogan might seem like a great marketing idea, but the reality is that both owner and staff could end up frazzled--with all the fun taken out of the business. Though you can try to alleviate stress upfront by setting guidelines on work you'll accept, some businesses have inherent deadlines built in. If you can't deal with this, avoid entering the field.

2. Continually working evenings and weekends.

Many new businesses require long hours during the start-up phase, but when the long hours continue for years, stress is inevitable. A store owner may start a business with intentions to close everyday at five, or to hire help for evening hours. But reality quickly strikes. If the mall stores stay open until nine or ten, then you feel you can't close your doors. Plus, they're open on the weekends. How to avoid this? Make sure you have the advance financing to allow an adequate number of employees--and enough managers to supervise them. If your store depends on one or two employees who try to split the required time between them, they will become overly exhausted and stressed within a few months.

3. Working in highly stressed environments.

Photographers usually find it stressful enough to shoot pictures in the protected and orderly environment of their studio. But shooting weddings, Bar Mitzvahs or graduations is something entirely different. These situations are charged with the pressure to perform perfectly under difficult and unpredictable conditions--a sure recipe for stress. Other potentially stressful working environments include situations with people who are ill, emotionally distraught or in financial difficulties.

4. Accepting jobs with uncertain payment periods.

Commission sales jobs and freelance work fall into this category. If you can't stand the uncertainty of not being sure exactly how much you're going to make and when payment will be received, such types of work are probably not for you--even though such work can be highly profitable and offer flexible working conditions.

5. Work that demands long commutes or other types of travel.

A job offering a high salary may seem like the answer to a prayer--but if it demands an hour and a half commute each way, the stress factor that accompanies such a daily routine needs to be taken into consideration.

6. Conditions that are personally unpleasant to a person.

Some people love to work outside even in the hottest or coldest weather. Other people prefer to work inside in a controlled environment. Some people love to work with children, while others prefer the quietness and orderliness of working with adults. Some people are extremely goal oriented and prefer to work in a field that allows them to accomplish definite goals each day, such as secretarial work, electrical contracting or home repair. Others hate the repetitive nature of such jobs, preferring instead the more "free form" type of work involved with art, outside sales or interior design.

Work needs to suit a person's likes and dislikes. Even the most profitable businesses can be a source of stress when they continually irritate and annoy a person. Evaluating the decision to take on certain types of work should always take into account a person's own strengths and weaknesses.

Small Business Sound Off
Does this story hit home?  Share your story with us