I Quit: Why That Might Be A Helpful Thought

Humbled by Unedited’s hat trick of bronze wins at last month’s Audio Production Awards, I reflect on my mixed emotions over this year. Running a business (or freelancing) can be incredibly rewarding but also a path fraught with challenges and moments of deep self-doubt. There may be times when many of us feel lost, overwhelmed and unsure if we can continue. This blog article is my story of reaching that dilemma and finding my way back.

When I founded Unedited, I was passionate and excited. The idea of being my own boss and creating something from scratch was exhilarating. A clear purpose and a cause drove me every morning: to bring excellent, diverse stories to life, amplifying authentic passion with innovative, creative expression.

The history of Unedited has spanned three distinct eras, and I’ve been a constant from the beginning - from the 360o digital content brand to a three-person army (with Cass and Andrew) and now the audio-first production company. I consistently poured heart and soul into our work, often sacrificing personal time, relationships (sorry, ladies) and my well-being to ensure each venture's success. And it has been successful. Considering our size, Unedited has been ambitious, done incredibly well (see our Trophy Cabinet), and managed just about to stay afloat.

The Dilemma

As the years rolled on, the excitement began to wane. Long hours, constant pressure and the never-ending to-do list started to take a toll. I questioned my decisions, doubted my abilities and felt disconnected from what I once loved. The business that was supposed to bring me joy and fulfilment was now a source of stress and anxiety. At the same time, my parents are getting old and unwell. My care duties have increased, and there need to be more hours in the day to juggle everything. And, let's not talk about the impact on personal relationships; that's another kind of blog.

The turning point came when I realised I was no longer enjoying all of my work. I felt burnt out, and my mental and physical health were suffering. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I knew I had to make a change. Admitting that I needed to step back felt like admitting defeat, but it was the first step towards reclaiming my life. The 'obvious' answer was to quit. Quitting wasn't about giving up on my business but prioritising my well-being and finding a new path aligned with my core values (family and peace of mind) and perhaps new passions. I reflected on what truly mattered and what I wanted to achieve. This period of introspection was crucial in helping me rediscover my purpose and reignite my passion. One of my mentors reminded me of two principles in choosing a self-employed life:

1. It’s not for everyone. Some of us prefer to be players rather than managers.
2. This might not be the right time. Life’s circumstances can require a more predictable income stream.

What if I Don’t Quit?

The journey to recovery wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I sought support from friends, family, and mentors who understood my struggles. I permitted myself to prioritise the family things that were important to us. I also invested time in self-care and activities that brought me joy outside of work. Slowly but surely, I began to rebuild my confidence and find a healthier balance between my professional and personal life. Here is what I did to rediscover who I was when I wanted to quit:

1. Remember your value: It can be easy to lose ourselves in the role we fulfil in the business. Sometimes, as freelancers or business owners, we carry out many responsibilities. We can miss the value we add by feeling like just another cog. Writing a CV as if applying for a new job (a real one) can help. It focuses the mind on what we contribute to an organisation or a business. It's a way of objectively reminding ourselves of our capabilities. If you discover a gap between what you offer and what your industry is looking for, it might be time to develop your skills. It will significantly contribute to the success of your business if you're as tooled up as you can be.

2. Ask for outside help: Getting an independent perspective on who you are and what you're doing is essential. Could you speak with a mentor or a friend who cares about your well-being? We do a great job of lying to ourselves when we’re stuck in a mindset, but the people who care about us the most can see right through that. They will be able to tell you what you need to reflect on, how your mood has changed, and whether you are achieving that work-life balance that was your hope when starting your own business. I suggest not approaching a business partner or a colleague, at least not yet. They might see their security as intrinsically linked to yours. Telling them you're thinking of quitting might spook them.?

3. Take a break: No one can stop you from taking an extended leave of absence. If you can afford it, take a month or two off; it is your business, after all. You may have to work ahead so you have enough income to do so. If you're not in such a fortunate position, give yourself the occasional rest day or half a day each week for a few months. Then, instead of lounging in bed feeling sorry for yourself, you might use that day to visit a library or even have coffee with other business owners socially. You might discover you're not the only person who feels this way.?

4. Have a clear plan. We can fall into the trap of continuing to do the work and losing sight of the vision. So, what is it that you want for your business? Do you have clear, understandable targets for turnover or profitability? What stands in the way, or which problem products, people or processes do you need to get sorted? Creating markers by which you can assess or manage your business might prevent things from feeling out of control. That plan can include an exit plan. Ironically, facing what the closure of your business might look like can make you feel more confident that you're not as close to the end as you think.

Moving Forward

Today, I am in a much better place. I have learned that taking a step back and reassessing is fine. It's OK to quit something that no longer serves you or that you are no longer serving as best as possible. Most importantly, I have learned that my business or career success does not define my worth. By prioritising my well-being, I have become a better Director and a happier person overall. I am not my business. The registered company is a separate entity to me as a person. It gives some perspective and calmness to know this.?

On the road to recovery, a friend's comment put everything in perspective: "Well, you started one successful business. You can always start another one—and next time, you know more." Throwing in the towel doesn’t diminish what has been achieved. Walking away is an option, but it’s only one of many.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that it's OK to feel lost. It's OK to take a break and reevaluate your path. Quitting doesn't make you a failure; you're brave enough to make the tough decisions that will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life. Also, call me. I’ll tell you all about it.

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