Is It Normal to Feel Guilty for Slowing Down Business During the Holidays?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores feelings of guilt associated with slowing down business during the holiday season, particularly in relation to balancing new job responsibilities and personal priorities. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on managing business commitments while navigating family and work obligations during this time.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses feelings of guilt for slowing down her business due to a new job and family commitments, while also feeling pressure from her director.
  • Another participant shares that it is important to prioritize personal happiness and suggests being honest with the director about temporary changes in business activity.
  • Several users mention that slowing down is a personal choice and emphasize the importance of planning for future bookings to maintain business momentum.
  • One participant notes that even during the holidays, there are ways to stay engaged with customers through catalog shows, which can help maintain activity without overwhelming oneself.
  • Another participant reflects on their own experience of taking a break during a busy period and communicating that it was temporary to their director.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is acceptable to slow down business during the holidays for personal reasons, but views differ on how to communicate this to directors and manage future bookings.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences of consultants balancing their business with new job responsibilities and family time during the holiday season.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are navigating similar feelings of guilt or pressure during the holiday season may find the shared experiences and perspectives helpful.

Jenni
Messages
780
OK~ so last week I quit my job! (Long story) I found a new job... assistant manager Bath and Body works. Which means lots of hours from now till pretty much the end of the year. My new manager seemed more then willing to work with me after the holidays on my schedule for parties. I have three on my calender right now and she has given me all three off already.
So my ? is does anyone else slow down their business around the holiday for family reasons or work? DO you bounce back?
Also why do I feel guilty... like I am letting my director down? She once told me she was putting her focus on me and one other girl. She wants me to be a director more then I want to be one. So I feel the pressure...:cry: HELP I know she wants to promote, but I have to do whats best for me. I will not being going in active. I have a $1000 mystery party in the works to go along with the three shows I have on my calender. Then in January I want to get back in the swing of 4 cooking shows a month with a few catalogs...
Any advice or support is welcome... I am a little blue about the whole thing when I should be feeling excited since I got the job I wanted!
 
Jenni - this is your business, not your directors. It sounds like you are excited about your new job; if your director is supportive she will hear your excitement and be excited for you. At your upcoming shows, when booking tell people you are booked through the holidays and they can either have a catalog party or cooking show in January - or, even better, have a catalog show now for people's holiday shopping and then a cooking show in January for people to buy what they really wanted but didn't get. Congratulations on getting the job you wanted - remember part of why we love PC so much is that the business works with us and our schedules!
 
First, congratulations on the new job. You SHOULD be excited for yourself.

I'm sorry you're feeling pressured by your director - I believe it wasn't fair of her to put all that pressure on you. Have you talked to her? Make sure she knows that you're not planning on going inactive and that this is just temporary.

I needed to do the same thing this summer when I started a new full-time job. I backed off PC for a few months, but I let my director (as well as my own recruits) know that it was temporary.

Remember that you're in this business for you, and you need to do what makes you happy and comfortable. Just be honest and upfront with your director, and don't feel guilty. It is YOUR business!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I feel better just reading your posts ladies!! Great tips...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I sent her an email.... letting her know my plans and telling her how I feel. Now I'm just waiting for her response.
 
If you want to slow down that is your call but you need to plan for after the holidays. Work on those bookings NOW! if you wait till Jan 2nd you may be dissapointed in your calendar.
 
Ditto on all of the above - and especially to fill your January calendar now! Even consultants who work their businesses hard over the holidays can find it hard to fill the beginning of January after Thanksgiving.You can stay active and still get a small paycheck by offering catalog shows to your customers, too. They get free stuff without having to clean house, and you don't have to miss work.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel guilty for slowing down business during the holidays?

Yes, it is completely normal to feel guilty about slowing down your business during the holidays. Many direct sellers experience this feeling, especially when they are passionate about their business. However, it's important to remember that the holiday season is a time for family, relaxation, and self-care.

How can I manage feelings of guilt during the holiday season?

To manage feelings of guilt, try to reframe your mindset. Remind yourself that taking a break is essential for your well-being and can ultimately benefit your business in the long run. Set realistic goals for your business during the holidays and prioritize time with loved ones.

What are some ways to maintain my business without feeling overwhelmed during the holidays?

Consider setting aside specific times for business activities, such as scheduling a few hours each week for outreach or social media posts. You can also focus on simpler tasks, like connecting with customers through holiday greetings or sharing festive recipes using Pampered Chef products.

Is it okay to take a complete break from my business during the holidays?

Absolutely! Taking a complete break can be beneficial for your mental health and creativity. If you choose to step back, inform your customers in advance and let them know when you will be available again. This transparency can help maintain your relationships.

How can I prepare my business for a successful return after the holidays?

To prepare for a successful return, consider planning your post-holiday strategy in advance. You can create a list of goals, promotions, or new product launches to implement when you return. This way, you can hit the ground running and feel excited about re-engaging with your business.

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