Self-Employed? Don’t Forget Who You Work For
It started, as so many good things do, with a voice note from one of my best friends.
We don’t really call each other anymore—life is full, schedules are chaotic, and voice memos are basically our version of mini TED Talks. (If you know, you know.)
This one hit differently though.
Somewhere in between venting about to-do lists, studio life, schedules, and the hundred tabs open in our brains, she paused and said:
“Beth… maybe you just need to be a better boss to yourself.”
Oof.
That one stuck.
Because here’s the truth: I have spent years being a great boss to other people. I lead with heart. I encourage, support, stretch, and celebrate. I protect their time, set clear expectations, and remind them they’re human.
But to myself?
The bar is higher. The deadlines are tighter. The expectations? Wildly unrealistic.
There’s very little room for off days, for slow mornings, for anything that even resembles grace.
And I know I’m not alone in this.
Especially in this season—this new chapter I’m building with intention and heart—it’s been really tempting to fall back into old patterns. Hustle. Push. Burn the candle at both ends like I used to when I thought burnout was just the price of ambition.
But I’m learning (again) that it doesn’t have to be that way. That maybe success, this time, gets to feel different. And it starts with how I treat me.
So what does being a good boss to yourself even look like?
It’s not always some grand gesture. Honestly, it’s usually the little stuff.
Taking a walk in the middle of the day without feeling guilty
Closing your laptop at 4PM because your brain is fried and rest is productive
Working from bed on a Tuesday morning with coffee and a cozy blanket just because you can
Giving yourself permission to have a slow morning—and not making up for it with an overloaded afternoon
Treating yourself to a solo lunch or coffee shop date, no laptop in sight
Saying “this can wait” and actually meaning it
Being a good boss to yourself means honoring your capacity—not just your calendar.
It’s leading yourself with the same kindness, encouragement, and belief that you pour into everyone else.
Because listen… you are not a machine. You’re a whole human building something meaningful. That deserves celebration. That deserves space. That deserves care.
So this week, I’m choosing to be a better boss to me.
I’m going to check in before I check off.
I’m going to rest without guilt.
And I’m going to remind myself that I don’t have to earn rest through exhaustion.
If this resonates, maybe it’s your reminder too.
Let’s build big, bold, beautiful things… without burning out.
We’re too good for that now.
I’m rooting for you,
With love and encouragement,
Beth
I'd love to hear—what's one good boss habit you've built (or want to build) for yourself?
