The Hidden Entrepreneur Price: Social Isolation
Social Isolation
Business owners talk about passion, purpose, and flexibility. No scratching beneath the surface to see the silent struggle not talked about. We have to understand that business ownership can lead to loneliness; Social Isolation.
Social Isolation is when one is alone a lot; not talking, or connecting with people. working longer hours, canceling plans, losing touch with friends, leads to feeling alone, overwhelmed, and disconnected.
As a Wellbeing Lifestyle Coach, I’ve lived this reality and now support others through it. The truth is, isolation isn’t just lonely, it affects your mental and emotional well-being and how you show up in your business. This affects your business success.
Mostly, we get neck deep into isolation and the harm done makes us quit altogether! I invested in a business years ago, and it took a toll on my overall lifestyle to the extent that I barely survived. A huge loss was recorded at the end of the day, and this made me quit the business. Suffering loss in business can lead to debts, financial instability, loss of confidence, business-phobia, and unfulfillment.
There are some factors that lead to isolation for business owners.
The first one is when we spend long hours on the business. When our business doesn’t have opening and closing time. Putting in late nights and weekend work may help build your dream, but often comes at the cost of quality time with loved ones. We must have and adhere to business hours/days.
Secondly, the struggle to stay in control of the business. When things are rough, many business owners isolate themselves instead of reaching out, because they’re afraid of being judged or misunderstood.
Exhaustion is another cause of isolation. After giving their all, business owners become exhausted and have little energy left to engage socially. So, they avoid calls, skip events, and retreat.
Business owners change priorities as their business grows and it leads to schedule shifts. Friendships and hobbies that once brought joy may unintentionally fall by the wayside.
Owning a business, especially startups, leads to lifestyle differences for business owners. Friends in more traditional jobs no longer relate to their daily hustle, creating a gap in understanding that can feel isolating.
Social Isolation leads to loneliness, depression, emotional burnout, strained or broken relationships, poor lifestyle, disconnection from life outside business, and so on. This affects your productivity, decision-making, and ability to enjoy the success you’ve worked so hard for.
We need to constantly check-in with ourselves for signs of Social Isolation (https://visiblenetworklabs.com/2021/09/10/what-is-social-isolation/) . Ask yourself these questions:
⦁ Are you always unavailable for loved ones?
⦁ Do you frequently decline social invitations?
⦁ Is work your escape from personal life?
⦁ Do you feel emotionally numb or detached?
Whenever we land in social isolation, there are ways to reconnect and thrive, which is very crucial to the success of every business. We need to thrive as humans, all aspects of our lifestyle must balance. This helps us navigate challenges and makes us succeed in our businesses. On the path to success, our Wellbeing must remain a priority. We can employ the suggestions below in no particular order.
- Schedule social time Like business meetings.
- Block out time for friends, family nights, or solo activities you love.
- Join a like-minded business community
- Join groups, co-working spaces for connection with other entrepreneurs.
- Define when your workday ends. Take real breaks. Create “no work” zones in your home.
- Be honest about your journey, don’t feel ashamed of your achievements and pace.
- You don’t have to carry the weight alone. Share with someone you trust. Vulnerability is connection.
- Work with a coach, therapist, or join a support circle, for a safe space to process your thoughts.
Carving out this lifestyle with everything running out of control can be overwhelming, but achievable with the help of a Lifestyle Coach, who will help create a Personalized Plan for you to begin to experience the life you thought was never impossible.
Feeling isolated is a reminder to pause, breathe, and reach out. Don’t just survive your business journey, stay connected to yourself and those around you. I’m rooting for you.
About the Author
Name: Olasubomi Lasaki
Professional Title: Employee & Entrepreneur Wellbeing Lifestyle Advocate | Work-life Balance Coach | Founder, Ol Mettle Initiatives
Bio: Wellbeing Lifestyle Coach Helping Busy Professionals Beat Burnout And Build Work-life Balance. Through Ol Mettle, I Help Employees & Entrepreneurs Prioritize Wellbeing, Boost Productivity, And Thrive.
