WHAT??? Nobody ever says that! Well, maybe it's time someone does. During my long career as an esthetics coach I can't count the times where estheticians spoke to me regretfully about having grown their businesses to the point where they no longer were content in them. Worse, the expanded responsibilities of managing people and facilities forced many into work beyond their best skillsets. And worse yet, bigger doesn't always mean more money for the business owner.
There was a time when I had many dozens of spa employees and two locations. The work of all that was far out of line from what I enjoyed about being in esthetics, but business growth is the gospel for those in it as if there's no other way to succeed. Yet I made as much money as a solo esthetician as I did being an employer grossing $2.5 million in sales. My happiest day was in selling my interests in those spas and returning to an individual practitioner!
As Paul Hawken wrote, sometimes the best business is one that's "small, fat, and happy." (Interestingly, he and his partner turned a tiny CA gardening shop into a national chain. Seen any sign of them lately?) Be true to your strengths, your desires, your time, and what brings joy to your career life. You'll be happier, more prosperous, and approach your work with satisfaction.
Small can be GOOD!
Best to you, Douglas Preston
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