Thread: Sick of the Biz

I am suddenly so sick of teaching, performing, and organizing events that I am willing to sell my business to anyone for a fair price! You get it all...my students, my studio space, my website, my choreographies, my contracts. I'll even sell ya my costumes! Just get me outta here.

why?

This has been building up for a long time -- tired of student issues, money problems, low enrollment, and on and on. I feel like I just woke up and realized that I have to end my bad marriage, NOW, but I'm stuck. No job to replace it with. Yet.

I have "job". I sell real estate, and my studio, students, etc take all my time and money. I hear you. Something keeps me going..I think it is stubbornness mostly. The odd performances and workshops here and there as well as the friendships keep me going. Do you have a support system?

A support system?

You know...freinds to blow off steam too. People who share your passion for the dance who can keep you feeling if not good, at least motivated enough to see you thru down times till you find your balance again. I just looked at your profile...damn, your busy! I also saw this quote: Anyone who pursues their dream with a passion, even in the face of criticism or defiance of convention.

Okay, I wasn't sure what you meant. I guess I'm very drained, emotionally, financially, feeling overwhelmed and uninspired. There are people who I could talk to, but I just feel like I've had enough and wish that I had something else I could do right away. Why didn't I study watch repair or shoe cobbling?

That woudnt help...you can buy that crap at Wallmart. Wanna be a Realtor? I know...lets swap lives for a bit! I have 2 old fat dogs a fat hairy cat and a fat and not so hairy husband who snores and thrashes so much..the bedroom door is the gateway to hell.

Gee, that's mighty tempting, but I think I have to pass! Thanks for the chuckle, though.

Anytime! I hope you find what you are looking for - whatever that turns out to be. Job, buyer or inspiration.

Thank you.

I am sorry to hear that you are having a rough time. I don't really have any advice for you (and really it wouldn't help anyway) but as someone who is a counselor in training, have you thought of talking to someone? Just to help get all your thoughts out, it can help.

Oh, and anyone who wants a switch....
Full time grad student, office worker, two cats (one really fat), but no spouse or SO so it is quite around here at night.....

Hang in there Shaia! We all go through things like this - take a vacation from dance, even if its just to "slow it down" a bit for awhile. I've done it - "the harder you hang on, the more 'it' slips away." - and returned invigorated!

Originally Posted by Linnyg

I am sorry to hear that you are having a rough time. I don't really have any advice for you (and really it wouldn't help anyway) but as someone who is a counselor in training, have you thought of talking to someone? Just to help get all your thoughts out, it can help.

Oh, and anyone who wants a switch....
Full time grad student, office worker, two cats (one really fat), but no spouse or SO so it is quite around here at night.....

That's a good idea; I have had career counseling twice in the past with no success, and life counseling with minimum success. But I could find a good fit. It's worth a try. However, I really feel like I want out, now.

Originally Posted by zorba

Hang in there Shaia! We all go through things like this - take a vacation from dance, even if its just to "slow it down" a bit for awhile. I've done it - "the harder you hang on, the more 'it' slips away." - and returned invigorated!

Hi Zorba,

Long time! I really wish that I could take a vacation from dance, about a year off! But I need something to do in the meantime. If I could find something to do from home, I would be ecstatic!

Agreeing with taking a break and also possibly talking to someone. Just taking time to get out of your head can be helpful.

Then if you are of the same mind, come back and sell me all your costumes ...

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

Agreeing with taking a break and also possibly talking to someone. Just taking time to get out of your head can be helpful.

Then if you are of the same mind, come back and sell me all your costumes ...

{{{HUGS}}}

hee heeeee

Just because I had to say something, I know how you feel. I had a similar meltdown about a year ago. I was ready to give up on all of it. I was just sick of the whole thing.

Another local dancer took a few months off from performing for the same reason. She was just burnt out. She didn't want to do it anymore. She just needed a break from it all.

I think it's totally normal to be frustrated and at wit's end with a business of your own, especially in an economy like this. Maybe you just need a break, a breather from it all. Sounds like you need a vacation so that you can refresh!

Yes, a vacation would be wonderful! Very hard to do, though, as teaching/performing/doing events is the only way I earn a living, and I don't get sick pay or vacation pay. sigh

Originally Posted by shaia

If I could find something to do from home, I would be ecstatic!

Amway? Just kidding.

You're gonna love this...I already sell Amway! I'm not very aggressive at it, or I would sell a lot more. But here is my chance at some self promotion! Amway (also known as Quixtar) has now partnered with Best Buy, Sears, Office Depot, Barnes & Noble, and more! So check out the deals at Amway Global - Official Amway Global Company Site of Amway Global, Inc and order through me! Instant commercial...

I've always been kind of scared that doing dance full time for a living would ruin it for me. So I've always kept my dance and music as a very important part of my life but not my main job. It supplements but I don't have to rely on it for all my income.

It must be difficult to keep showing up for classes and performances and events when you are burned out. I think you have to take the burnout seriously. I don't know what advice to offer, except be kind to yourself as much as possible. I hope you find a way to take a break so that we don't lose you altogether in the dance community.

Thank you, Dunyah. Very sweet advice.

I feel you but at the same time I had to laugh. We work so daggone much, and get little to show for it really. Then hobbyists come along and want to do it all too, but for free & with lower standards. It kind of makes you wonder why we spend our lives on this?? For instance, this new song & video I just posted? - I did the music, the dance, the costumes, taught the students, made the video. Maybe I'll get a few compliments! Or not! Hot dog! Meanwhile let's see which bills I can pay this month...

Do you have a student or someone you trust who can take over your classes for a bit? Even if you have to train them for a few weeks before hand, you'll at least have a date set on the calendar for when your break starts.

I know it's really scaring to change the status quo. But sometimes you just have to jump and trust that the net will be there. If you're this burned out, you owe it to yourself to make the necessary changes you need to be happy.

(((hug)))

Oh, Shaia! Had no idea you felt this way--you always seem so calm, mellow...most zen-like!! ,f:: Sending you LOTs & lots of *HUGs*!!! Lemme know if there's anything I can do to help... I reallyreallyreally-REALLY don't wanna lose you from the community; hope you can find a way to just take a temporary "re-charge" break.....g.:

I totally feel you on not being able to take a vacation. I had no choice but to take a small vacation recently for the birth of my baby and it seems like it hasn't really been a vacation at all! Instead of dance burn out, it's lack of sleep with a new baby. However, I wish you lots of luck in finding a way to take a breather.

Originally Posted by aazura

Do you have a student or someone you trust who can take over your classes for a bit? Even if you have to train them for a few weeks before hand, you'll at least have a date set on the calendar for when your break starts.

I know it's really scaring to change the status quo. But sometimes you just have to jump and trust that the net will be there. If you're this burned out, you owe it to yourself to make the necessary changes you need to be happy.

(((hug)))

This is what I was thinking too. How about offering a TA program to some advanced students? They could take over some beginner classes and troupe and help out with events too. That way they can hone their business and teaching skills and help take the load off of you. It sounds like you already have a good curriculum for them to follow. Why try to do EVERYTHING yourself?

I think you are amazing and wonderful! I am so sorry you are having a hard time. The Milwaukee bellydance community owes you so much.
I hope you find the peace and/or inspiration you are looking for.
Much love and hugs!

Shaia-do you have a degree in English by chance?