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AbigayleJones's avatar
AbigayleJones
Contributor 2
30 days ago

Real Talk: The Ups and Downs of Running a Business

Let’s start a real conversation — no filters, no fluff.

What’s it really been like running your business?

I’m talking about the mistakes that taught you lessons, the wins that made it all feel worth it, the burnout you didn’t expect, and the goals that keep you going even on the tough days.

Whether you’re just starting or deep in the game, your story can inspire someone else (and maybe theirs will help you too).

Drop your honest take below 👇

Let’s build something real — together.

business advice
business plans
community
hitting goals
learning from mistakes
learning resources
motivation
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professional development
success stories

3 Replies

  • judithvirag's avatar
    judithvirag
    Contributor 5
    30 days ago

    Being tired and mini burnout is real.  I overbooked one week myself with networking events and by the weekend I did not want to see or talk to anyone. I would have never expected this. 

    Show up - doesn't matter how but show up and be real about it.  Watch your words and reactions and count to 10 if you feel your blood rising.  It will give you a minute to pause.  I bit my supervisors head off the other day (just a bit, in my style which is not yelling or anything) and I had to apologize.  Learn to apologize.  

    Right now these are the big ones for me. 

  • MrBackflow's avatar
    MrBackflow
    Contributor 3
    28 days ago

    Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Every day, I balance the long hours on the job with my family’s well-being—sometimes pushing me right to the edge. I’ve made mistakes that hurt, endured the pain of burnout, and learned some pretty hard lessons along the way. But those wins—the look on a customer’s face after a safe, leak-free repair, knowing I helped keep someone’s water clean and their home safe—make every struggle worth it.

    I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about powering through; it’s about listening to yourself, pacing your work, and asking for help when you need it. So if you’re deep in the trenches or just starting out, know that the road is tough but incredibly rewarding. Embrace every misstep as a lesson, and celebrate the victories—no matter how small.

    Here’s to the real talk, to the late nights, and to building something genuine, one backflow test at a time. Let’s keep pushing, learning, and growing together.

    Stay strong, Liam (Mr. Backflow)

  • Reviveplumbing's avatar
    Reviveplumbing
    Contributor 3
    27 days ago

    Love this thread already! I agree with many points listed before me. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart running your own business but I believe you won't know your strengths if you don't go through the motions and experience the ups and downs. I personally am on year 5 of my plumbing business and I wouldn't change it for the world, I have learned so much and feel more confident every year but I also know there is always more to learn. It sometimes will consume you time wise but there will be moments proving how it is all worth it in the end! 

    Thanks!