The Untold Story: Closing My Etsy Shop

The Untold Story: Closing My Etsy Shop

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Decision to Close My Etsy Shop
3. The Challenges of Running a Business and YouTube Channel
4. The Effects of Overworking
5. The Impact on Social Life and Mental Health
6. Reflections on Hustle Culture
7. Privilege and Success
8. Taking Care of Yourself
9. Plans for the Future
10. Conclusion

The Decision to Close My Etsy Shop

In this article, I want to share with you the reasons behind the recent closure of my Etsy shop and the challenges I have been facing. As many of you may know, I have been running my business and YouTube channel for several years now. However, the constant demand and pressure have taken a toll on my mental health, leading to a state of extreme depression and stress. In this article, I will discuss how overworking has affected my personal and professional life, as well as shed light on the toxic effects of hustle culture. I will also touch upon the importance of self-care and the need to find a balance between work and personal life. Lastly, I will share my plans for the future and how I aim to focus on my well-being while pursuing my passion for creating content on YouTube. So, without further ado, let's dive into the details.

The Challenges of Running a Business and YouTube Channel

Running a business and managing a YouTube channel simultaneously can be incredibly challenging. When I first started, I had to juggle multiple jobs while building my online presence. It took years before I started making a profit, and I had to dedicate all my time and energy to grow both my business and YouTube channel. Growing on YouTube, in particular, requires immense dedication and commitment. It becomes a 24/7 pursuit, as success is often dependent on investing every waking moment into creating and promoting content. However, this level of commitment comes at a cost, as it can lead to isolation and a loss of personal connections. Moreover, the constant pressure to perform and meet expectations can take a toll on one's mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression.

The Effects of Overworking

Over the past few years, I have been working tirelessly, essentially giving up my social life and personal well-being for the sake of my business and YouTube channel. Unfortunately, this overworking has not only affected my personal relationships but has also taken a toll on my mental health. The immense pressure to meet deadlines, create quality content, and manage the day-to-day operations of my business has led to a state of constant stress and burnout. The weight of the responsibilities and the never-ending to-do list has trapped me in a cycle of fatigue and overwhelm.

The Impact on Social Life and Mental Health

Over time, the constant dedication to my work has caused me to become socially isolated and develop social anxiety. As I poured all my energy into my business and YouTube channel, I neglected personal connections and the social aspects of life. This isolation, coupled with the pressure to constantly perform and meet targets, has exacerbated feelings of depression and anxiety. While I have maintained some friendships, I have lost the deep bonds I once had with people due to my overwhelming work commitments. The toll on my mental health has been significant, with depressive episodes becoming more frequent in recent years.

Reflections on Hustle Culture

The pervasive "hustle culture" that encourages people to work tirelessly and prioritize work above all else has played a significant role in my experiences. While hard work is necessary for success, the culture surrounding it can be toxic. The expectation to sacrifice personal well-being and relationships in pursuit of success can lead to a state of constant burnout and dissatisfaction. It is important to challenge the notion that one must work themselves to exhaustion to achieve their goals. Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall happiness and well-being.

Privilege and Success

I must acknowledge the privilege that has contributed to my success in the face of these challenges. I was fortunate to have the support and resources to start my business and pursue my passion. Living in an affordable trailer home allowed me to focus on my career while keeping expenses low. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone has the same opportunities, and success should not be solely attributed to hard work. Privilege plays a significant role in creating a foundation for success, and this should be acknowledged and addressed in discussions around entrepreneurship and achievement.

Taking Care of Yourself

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from my experiences is the importance of self-care. While working hard is essential, it should never come at the expense of one's mental and physical well-being. It is crucial to take breaks, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care activities. Without this balance, burnout and mental health issues become inevitable. It is important to recognize when the workload becomes overwhelming and take steps to create a healthier balance between work and personal life.

Plans for the Future

Given the toll that overworking has taken on my mental health, I have made the decision to close my Etsy shop temporarily. This break will allow me to regroup and focus on my well-being. During this time, I plan to prioritize my YouTube channel and create more content that I am passionate about. I also aim to revisit and improve the products in my business, ensuring that they meet the highest standards. While I do feel a sense of responsibility towards my customers, it is essential to prioritize my mental health and take the necessary steps for personal growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to close my Etsy shop temporarily was made due to the overwhelming depression and stress that resulted from overworking. The challenges of maintaining a business and YouTube channel while neglecting personal well-being have had a significant impact on my mental health and social life. The toxic nature of hustle culture and the need for a healthier work-life balance must be acknowledged and addressed. Moving forward, I plan to prioritize self-care, focus on my YouTube channel, and improve the products in my business. It is crucial to find a balance between work and personal life to ensure long-term success and happiness.