Dearests,
I was thinking about this over the last week.
Four years ago, my company was growing at rapid speeds.
I was turning over multi millions per year and I hired a large team to cope with that growth. I thought that was what I was supposed to do, what was the next right step.
But then I discovered… I actually hate having that size and type of business. I hated managing staff. I hated that I spent most of my time firehosing the latest drama. I’ve always worked ten hours or so a week – but my hours started creeping up and overtaking my focus on family. I hated that my dream job of being an artist, writer, creative and encourager instead became a CEO with little time for the things I actually adored.
I tried a lot of different things to fix it. I tried to read more books, get more coaching, learn how to be a better manager. But it still didn’t fix the problem that my business no longer fit me, my intention, my family or my dream.
So I intentionally downsized. I changed my business structure, outsourced production to a publishing company and fired staff. I went from 15 staff to 1 part time VA – some quit, some were fired. It was a heart-wrenching time, but I know now that it was by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
My time is spent doing the things I adore again. I work less hours and have my gentle family lifestyle back. Most importantly though, I feel on soul purpose again and closer to my customers. And that is worth its weight in gold. Money can’t buy that feeling, and I neeeeed that feeling.
Here’s the fascinating thing though: even though my overall revenue decreased… guess what? I now make more money (aka actual profit!) than ever before.
So for me… downsizing was really rightsizing. Rightsizing for my dreams and what I wanted my life to be.
So often we speak of downsizing like it’s a bad thing, when really it can be incredibly lovely, intentional and joy-inducing. It was for me, and I’m so glad I did it.
Big love,
Want to read more on whether firing staff was actually joyful for everyone?
