Trying to find balance and “me time”

It’s come to this. I’m way too tired trying to find balance in my life. After doing my last show this month has left me overworked, unsatisfied and full of questions about the future. Working a full time job, trying to work and run a business on the side which consists of doing live art shows and keeping an on-line store alive, plus keeping a relationship fresh and running a household---there just aren’t enough hours in the days, or weeks, or energy to master.
I just don’t know how some folks do it. Keeping an on-line presence takes A LOT of time. From setting up a website, keeping it fresh with new products, promotion, blogging, social media attention; it’s a full time job in itself.
What I’ve decided about art shows; maybe I’ve done my last. It takes so much time, money and effort, (physical and mental) to do them. Show fees are usually high, especially if you want to get into a good show. You must compete with other vendors/artists, not only in what you make, but, I’ve discovered that your booth, must be top notch in order to bring the customer into your booth and not just walk on by. This is one of my weak points. You must have proper lighting ($$), show tables/displays that grabs the customer’s attention, in something like 5 seconds ($$$), a great layout, plus fantastic products. Oh, and I forgot to mention, a sturdy white tent with proper weights ($$$).
Dealing with the outdoor elements presents another problem too. And not to mention that I do all this myself- the packing, lifting, setting up the tent, and being at the show all weekend, by myself.
Monetarily, the payoff is just not there. I’m thinking that it is easier to just do consignment or wholesale with shops or galleries, and let them sell my work.
I’m going to be 50 years old in March. Some days it feels like 100. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the future, trying to have a plan, and a back-up plan. So, I’m trying to make the best of my full time job. I recently took a promotion and am starting classes to get to another level of promotion. My work is not only physical, but can be mentally tiring too. Every day, 5 days a week, I have 600, 800, 1000 screaming kids to feed. So being tired at the end of the day is a given.
I need my “quiet time”. I need my serenity. I must find time to take care of me. I miss doing yoga and meditating. I so enjoy my time by myself, curled up with a good book. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. Choices have to be made, even though I don’t like making some of them. Even this, was a bit difficult to write, although I believe it’s healing. I hope you got something out of this post. Comments below are appreciated.


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Comments

Moon Stumpp said…
Your situation is a lot like how I feel. I feel like I'm being pulled in 50 different directions with not enough hours in the day.
AdobeSol said…
Hi Cindy. I think that we have all felt like this at one time or another. For me it is a matter of priority. My shop has suffered... no new pieces, slow and a bit stagnant. I am in a place where I just don't care as long as my family has everything they need and I keep myself healthy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy, I totally relate and that is the reason that I took this year "off". I had to sit back and re-group. I don't do many shows but I was finding myself coming and going from all of the volunteering I was doing at various galleries. I was working myself to death and losing my enthusiasm for what I love the most - my jewelry!! Everyone keeps asking me, "where have you been this year? We haven't seen you at the lapidary club." I just smile and say - this year is for me and believe me, I am so much more relaxed and productive now. Take time for you and it will pay big dividends down the road - by the way, I am approaching 71 years old and still going strong - you can do it:O)
cindy said…
Thanks for the kind comments you guys!

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