Dear Rita,

I am a 36 year old designer living in, I am actually not even really sure what city anymore. I am at a turning point in my life and in my career and need some advice. I really love the life I have built so far. I create products I am proud of, I work with incredible artisans in Morocco who I learn from everyday and I consult for other brands as well. 

On the surface, my life looks glamorous and fulfilling and for the most part it is everything I dreamed it could be. I get the chance to create, work with deeply inspiring people who I truly respect and travel between France, Canada and China regularly. I love having status on Air France but I hate never knowing where my underwear is! The travel is increasingly difficult on me and it leaves me little time and freedom to be creative. As the business grows I am also more and more involved in the logistics and marketing side of things leaving even less time for the things I actually like to do. I want to grow my brand and focus more on the projects I love and less on the consulting and logistics side of things that aren’t my strength. 

I am also worried about losing revenue. My income fluctuates as it is, even if I am, for the first time, feeling comfortable money wise. Maybe that’s the thing that makes me the most nervous is the idea of “don’t fix what isn’t broken”. If I am honest, I am tired and looking to increase my revenue while decreasing the hours I am putting into the things I don’t love. How can I move forward with my business in a more thoughtful way without losing my financial stability and my mind? 

Warmly,

The Multitasking Menace

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Dear Multitasking,

First off, I love your energy. You are clearly someone who thrives on creativity and the thrills of having a thousand balls in the air. The real question is will you feel as fulfilled if you aren’t running around like a chicken with your head cut off? Sometimes in our desire to live an exciting meaningful life we confuse fulfillment with movement or being “booked and busy”. Those are not equal things. Trust and believe I understand and love the perks of Air France status. The sauna in the lounge gives me life before any long flight but, is it worth your sanity? The same energy can start to feel like a trap when it leaves you scattered, exhausted and unable to locate your delicates.

Sometimes the problem is you. In this case I want you to get real honest about what you are actually gaining by traveling across three continents to do your job. Clients in China, Canada and France don’t need you to hold their hand as they buy your products, hire a showroom or a freelance sales person to take some of the weight off. Delegation is key to any true entrepreneurial success. It may feel scary to let the reins go a bit and initially there will probably be some roadblocks but you need to trust in your abilities and the abilities of those around you to get the job done.

Simplicity is going to be the key to get you through this. If consulting is bringing in the big bucks for the moment but it isn’t your passion, raise your pricing. This will allow you to take on fewer projects but maintain the income you need to fuel your passions. Maybe it feels scary at first but being burnt out and unable to do any of it will feel much worse babydoll. This stream of income isn’t your forever, it’s your means to an end. Take on consulting jobs that you can learn from and that can enrich your business, as well as, help you move to the next level.

Let’s talk about where your underwear is. Not knowing where you live, hopping between continents sounds fabulous on paper but take it from someone who knows, not knowing where your things are or losing them along the way is exhausting in a way most can’t understand. You are also losing community every time you get on a plane. Something is happening without you, a new story, a new connection. I don’t know how long you’ve been doing this but not having a soft place to land takes its toll eventually. So please find a place that is a forever place, make it yours and enjoy every moment of it.

Multitasking, I really hope that you learn how to take a step back and streamline your life before it passes you by. I am sure you have tons of stories to share and great adventures and that doesn’t have to change just the way you approach it does. Your most meaningful relationship in life can’t be with your Flying Blue status. Simplify, delegate, raise your damn prices and put down some roots and I think you’ll find the exact answers you’re looking for.

– Rita Fairchild

The author is not a trained professional and the above advice is for entertainment purposes only. All names and identifying information have been changed to protect privacy. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of Osé Magazine or Osé Omni Media.