Glad to see you are feeling more motivated
I worked enthusiastically for 2 - 3 years (chasing bookings, all the things you mentioned) before I got a MAJOR burn-out. It was like a nervous breakdown, and I never want to repeat the experience.
I got a civvy job for a year and lived like a nun lol.
When I came back to this work I found that I have never ENJOYED it again in that sense of the word. I enjoy the money and freedom but I do not enjoy the job - kind of the same as I wouldn't enjoy cleaning toilets
for a job (but it's not damaging to me again or I would have stopped). I found that I enjoyed my civvy job but not the stress of it and having a boss though.
I have found that the following has stopped me from getting a major burn out again and I've been working for years after that -
1) Have and Keep a FOCUS for the money. Don't just spend it all away. Invest in your future or things you really want, GOALS . Can be small like another lady said a festival weekend or holiday or even a day out. Or could be big like buying a house or financial stability for the future. When you are flagging or considering not taking a booking because it's too far / you have pmt / the moon is at an angle (I am guilty of this!) then remind yourself of the goal - write it somewhere prominent - this helps with motivation.
2) Do not allow clients to walk all over or manipulate you. If they try , either abort the booking / process or manipulate them back , depending on how you feel. I used to entertain all sorts of idiots and unsavoury characters - not full on dangerous but you know the sort - whiny, demanding, patronising , late , free sex chat seekers etc. Now I just always remind myself that IT'S THEIR PROBLEM THEY ARE LIKE THAT - WHAT A SHAME TO BE A PERSON LIKE THAT! and I move on. Bending over backwards for twats and not getting properly compensated in monetary terms will cause burn out.
3) KEEP AN ACTIVE CIVVY LIFE. This one is sooooo important. Have outside interests that DO NOT involve work, where you can be just you. And maintain relationships with people who love you in a non-sexual way. And for god's sake - SWITCH YOUR PHONES OFF! Have at least one day a week (or 2 or 3 if you can), where you don't even log on to AW, have the phone on, or even visit forums. It's a MUST for sanity. I realised this when I went on hol somewhere for a few days with no mobile reception unexpectedly and realised how chilled I felt! Personally I don't even log on to AW or turn my phone when I'm not actually working (but then again I do incalls on set days a week). It does lose me a little money because regulars sometimes go elsewhere when I could have said "back tomorrow" and I lose quite a few advance bookings, but my sanity is saved! I have at least one day a week I don't even log on to forums too.
3) Don't spend too much on work expenses that you are not making the money you used to make when you started. Over time I built up expensive habits like buying lots of new lingerie etc, spending a lot on meals out at work instead of bringing in lunch or dinner, lots of advertising costs which add up. Then I got resentful because I was not only spending on a place to work from I was spending a chunk of profits and doing a couple of bookings a week for nothing to pay for stuff! Now I only buy new stuff for work about once a month and get the cheapest baby wipes etc possible, and I bring meals in with me, and try one non-free advertising medium at a time and AW.
I find that in doing the above I have more time and energy for the genuinely OK clients, so I perform well (ie even though I don't enjoy it I am neutral and act enthusiastic) and get lots of repeat business.
Hope you continue to feel good x
Topic: Burnt-out? (Read 2752 times)