How do you balance honoring Sunday rest with the realities of running a small business?
August Group Discussion Question
Each month, I’ll pose a question for us to discuss in the comments. The goal is to crowdsource the best resources, advice, and recs. Everyone can see the question of the month and my personal answer, but only paid subscribers can join in the comments to share their answers.
Question: How do you balance honoring Sunday rest with the realities of running a small business?
My answer:
I saw this question pop up in a Facebook group I’m a part of and it is SO good. Here’s how I’d answer it:
I don’t respond to emails and I don’t do things that feel like work on Sunday. Even though email is my love language and I usually get a lot of joy from emailing, I refrain from sending work related emails on Sundays. I think this helps set the tone that, “I am not available on this day.”
If you get an email or see a social media post from me that goes out on a Sunday, it was probably scheduled. I usually try not to schedule for Sundays as I don’t even like the perception that I’m working on Sunday, but sometimes it happens.
Other things I avoid doing:
When I used to pack my own orders, I refused to do so on Sundays because I disliked doing it so much. This actually gave me so much peace knowing I didn’t have to do it. (Now I use a fulfillment center and don’t have to worry about this.)
I don’t do accounting, video editing, proofreading, or anything I’d personally consider a tedious activity. (✨No offense if you love this. See below.)
What kind of work do I engage in on Sundays?
Often nothing. Sundays are family days and I typically don’t have much extra time to work on business tasks.
But when pockets of time become available, I work on business tasks that are fun. For me, this is creative work. I love graphic design, writing, brainstorming, etc. These are tasks that energize me and actually feel like rest.
✨You’ll notice so much of this is subjective.
What energizes one person might absolutely drain another. What is tedious to someone might be exciting to another.
Also, some professions simply don’t allow for a full day off. Realtors, church choir directors, nurses, etc., I see you. And, of course, life happens. But, in general, this is the way I try to structure my Sundays.
Curious what do you do?
Paid subscribers: leave your own thoughts in the comments 👇