6 Signs of Business Owner Burnout

Owning a business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be incredibly exhausting.

As a business owner, you have so much on your plate at all times, from refining your strategy and finances to team management and figuring out your marketing. Honestly, the list goes on.

All of this leads to a significant amount of pressure, and if you don't allow yourself time to rest and recover, it can easily turn into burnout.

At Tramshed Tech, we work closely with founders, freelancers, and business leaders every day, and we see burnout far more often than people admit.

In this blog, we’ll explore 6 common signs of business owner burnout and what you can do to start feeling more like yourself again.

What Is Business Owner Burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and pressure.

For business owners, burnout tends to be caused by long hours, constant decision-making, financial pressure, and the pressure of having your team and income depend on you.

Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion due to stress.

Burnout is different from everyday tiredness as it doesn't disappear when you rest. It also differs from stress, as the impact of stress is short-term, whereas burnout is a prolonged feeling.

The consequences of burnout include a lack of motivation, impaired focus and a detriment to your relationships, overall wellbeing and your business itself.

6 Common Signs of Business Owner Burnout

Here are 6 of the most common signs you might be experiencing burnout as a business owner:

1. Constant Exhaustion Even After Resting

One of the earliest signs of burnout is constantly feeling exhausted. You might be sleeping your 8 hours and giving yourself time to rest, but still feeling permanently drained and never waking up refreshed.

This type of exhaustion doesn't just come from being physically tired; it's a result of the mental fatigue from always being switched on.

2. Loss of Motivation or Passion

That passion that made you start your business can feel like it's miles away when you're in a state of burnout.

You might find yourself procrastinating, avoiding making decisions, or feeling disconnected from work that used to excite you.

A key sign of burnout is a lack of motivation or passion for work you once enjoyed.

This doesn't mean you're failing or you hate your job; it's usually a sign that you've been running on empty for too long.

If you're feeling unmotivated, it can be helpful to join a supportive business community where you can share challenges and regain perspective.

At Tramshed Tech, we host many events to bring together like-minded business owners. Book an event today.

3. Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions

Brain fog is a key symptom of burnout, and it can make it difficult for you to concentrate or make decisions. You also might struggle to focus, forget things more easily or feel overwhelmed by simple tasks.

This is a particularly frustrating element of burnout, as decision-making is a huge part of being a business owner, but it's a clear sign you need to slow down.

We've noticed that a simple change in environment, such as working in a collaborative space, can help reset your focus. Book one of our coworking spaces today.

4. Increased Irritability or Emotional Detachment

If you notice yourself being unusually impatient, snapping at your employees, or feeling emotionally checked out, burnout could be the cause. These feelings might even make you withdraw from interactions altogether.

Burnout can lead to impatience, snapping at your team members, and withdrawing from social interactions.

Try your best not to feel too guilty about this, as it truly is a response to prolonged stress.

5. Neglecting Your Health & Personal Life

Getting too caught up in your business responsibilities and neglecting your health and personal life might feel productive in the short term, but it isn’t sustainable, both personally and professionally.

When you're experiencing burnout, self-care tends to be at the bottom of your to-do list. This quickly leads to skipping meals, exercise and sleep, as well as putting aside little time for your friends and family.

6. Feeling Like You’re Carrying Everything Alone

As a business owner, it's super easy to fall into the trap of pretending to have it together and being strong all the time.

Burnout often intensifies when you believe you’re the only one who can fix things or keep the business moving.

Remember that there's a reason why you've built a team to support you with your business. They're there to help you. And if you're a solopreneur, there are always people you can reach out to for a helping hand.

How to Avoid Burnout as a Business Owner

Burnout is a clear signal that your approach to running your business needs to change. Thankfully, there are lots of steps you can take to avoid it.

Examples of these include:

• Setting Clear Boundaries: It's so easy to spend all of your time working on your business, but it's crucial to separate work from your personal life. Set realistic working hours, give yourself breaks, and switch off notifications outside of work time.

• Reconnecting with People: Isolation often comes with running a business, so spending time with other business owners who understand your experience can be validating. It's equally important to reconnect with your friends and family to get away from work for a while.

• Changing Your Environment: Your surroundings have a huge impact on how you feel, so consider changing your workspace every once in a while, whether that's to a coworking space, a coffee shop, or simply another room in the house.

Remember to look for support as soon as you notice any signs of burnout, as the earlier you recognise it, the easier it is to address.

How Tramshed Tech Can Support You

We hope this guide has helped you learn the signs of burnout and how you can support yourself to avoid it.

If you are feeling burned out, we're here to support you.

At Tramshed Tech, we believe that no founder should have to face running a business alone.

We are a startup ecosystem with 50+ companies and over 600 members across Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Barry, and Grangetown. 

Our coworking spaces, events, and programmes are designed to support both you and your business.

Book a space, join our community, or simply start a conversation with us.