Hi -- Burnout + Any other business owners here?

[Anade]

Hello. I'm 30 and I found out about Asperger's about 8 years ago and realized that it matched my experiences in life. Just yesterday, I found the phrase "autistic burnout" and was shocked that this was something I've experienced multiple times and have even described in just that way without ever having heard of it before.

I've been reading up on autistic burnout and people mention having it a couple of times in their lives, but I feel like I run into it every couple of years (if not more frequently). I'm thinking that's because I push myself way too much.

I normally hate posting on forums and it takes me a long time to try, but I hope someone might be able to give me advice. I own my own small business and I'm in the process of negotiating a lease for the first time. I also have a young puppy (11 weeks old) who is hopefully going to become my service dog, but is a handful right now.

I'm afraid that I'm sliding towards burnout, but I feel like I've already cut out as much as I can and that it's not enough. I've been losing myself in books and I've been taking soooo many naps, but I feel like it's not enough.

Does anyone have recommendations? Does anyone else own a small business? How do you handle burnout + running the business? Are there some resources I'm not aware of?

Thanks for the help!

 

[stratocaster]

I'm 18 so I can't really help with the lease, but I do know quite a bit about dogs and puppy training so I can be more useful on that front. What problems is the puppy giving you? Have you housebroken him/her yet? And if he/she is going to be a service dog, have you had him/her temperament tested yet?

 

[tree]

 

[Nitro]

Hi Anade

 

[clg114]

Welcome to AutismForums!

 

[Progster]

It's very hard to offer suggestions without knowing more about the kind of business it is you are running. I'm a freelance language tutor, and I work hard during term time and recuperate during the school vacation. I cope by having time off work, but I know that this is not possible with all businesses. The only thing I can think of right now is perhaps getting help from a family member or friend, perhaps downsizing or not taking on so much work, and giving yourself time off.

 

[clg114]

Welcome to AutismForums! I am a small business owner and I think that is a good way for a Aspie to make a living. If you want to avoid burnout, do not push your self to hard. Learn to say "NO".

 

[Tom]

Your timing was bad. Taking on a Pup is a major stressor. Buuuhhhtttt... it does get better. Each month is a slight improvement with dogs. At about a year you should be much better off, and they are mature and much much better by two years.

Business. Eh. Work is work. Just try to shut it out as much as you can when off-duty so to speak. Thats harder when its your own business. But then again you are your own boss and are missing out on the stress of others telling you what to do.

Life is a long haul. Pacing is important. Especially for us.

 

[Isadoorian]

Welcome to the Forums! I hope you make new friends and enjoy your stay in the process!

 

[Anade]

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm actually a professional dog trainer (specifically focused on service dogs for invisible disabilities), so I know I'm definitely very lucky in having an understanding client base. I'm getting better at saying no and I actually specifically stepped back from work for a few months, starting when I first got the puppy, but the lease popped up unexpectedly and I have to handle all of that, on top of continuing to deal with scheduling and paperwork (I have two employees that are helping with some things, like clients, but I'm the impetus behind everything, unsurprisingly). I hired an attorney to help with the lease, to try to prevent getting completely overwhelmed, but things are still really complicated and it's taking a lot longer than expected.

I guess I am trying to just keep moving forward right now. Hopefully finding this community can help.