When Your Business Drains You: How to Know When to Pivot and Move On

I was asked this question the other day by someone on LinkedIn..."What If Your Business Drains Your Energy but It’s Helping Pay Your Bills? At What Point Do You Pivot Away Because It’s No Longer Worth It?"

It made me stop and think. I told them it was a great question but I didn't have an immediate answer. I wanted to reflect on it...also knowing it would make a great topic for an article here. Well, I'm done reflecting now and this article is my response. Hope you find this helpful.

Your business is your lifeblood. It's the thing that allows you to be your own boss, pursue your passions, and (hopefully) bring in the income you need to support your lifestyle. But what happens when the very business that’s paying your bills is also draining your energy? You know you need to grow, innovate, and move forward, but there’s a tug-of-war between your financial security and your mental and emotional well-being.

At what point do you make the tough decision to pivot, scale down, or even walk away from something that’s no longer serving you? If your business is no longer fulfilling you, at what point do you decide that it’s just not worth it anymore?

Let's explore when it’s time to pivot away from a business that’s draining you, the signs to look out for, and how to decide whether it’s time to keep pushing or make a change.

1. The Energy Drain: When Your Business Feels Like a Burden

If you wake up each day feeling exhausted, frustrated, or uninspired by your business, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t quite right. A business should be energizing, or at the very least, rewarding in a way that keeps you motivated. However, if your work starts to feel like a drain on your mental and emotional energy, it’s worth taking a step back and examining why.

Signs your business is draining you:

• You dread working on your business, even though you’re technically doing the things that generate income.

• You feel constantly burnt out, with no time or energy left for personal life or self-care.

• Your passion and enthusiasm for your business are gone, replaced by frustration or apathy.

• You’re working long hours without any joy, and your work feels repetitive or uninspiring.

While it's normal to experience burnout occasionally, especially as a solopreneur juggling everything, feeling drained consistently can be a sign that you’re not aligned with your business anymore. The work itself might still pay the bills, but it’s costing you something far more valuable: your time, energy, and enthusiasm.

Lesson for Solopreneurs:
When the energy you get from your business becomes negative, it’s time to assess whether this is a temporary phase or if you’re on a longer-term path toward dissatisfaction.

2. The Struggle Between Financial Security and Personal Fulfillment

There’s a delicate balance that every solopreneur faces: your business is providing financial security, but it’s also consuming your energy. It’s easy to justify staying in this situation because, at least on paper, your business is still paying the bills. The fear of losing financial stability often keeps us locked into businesses that no longer excite or fulfill us. But how long can you stay in this cycle before it takes a toll on your overall well-being?

Consider these questions to help you evaluate your situation:

• Am I simply “staying afloat” or am I thriving? If you’re constantly exhausted and overwhelmed, even though you’re financially stable, it might be time to reevaluate the sustainability of your current business model.

• Is my work draining me so much that it impacts other areas of my life? Pay attention to how your business affects your relationships, health, and happiness. If it’s causing a significant imbalance, it may no longer be worth the trade-off.

• Can I afford a pivot, or am I too reliant on the income? If you’re financially comfortable but not passionate about the business anymore, it might be time to consider a pivot. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, you might need to make more gradual changes.

Lesson for Solopreneurs:
Staying in a business that no longer fulfills you just for the financial security isn’t sustainable in the long term. If your happiness and energy are being sacrificed for the sake of income, it’s a signal that a change is needed.

3. When to Pivot: Signs It’s Time to Move On

At what point do you finally acknowledge that it’s time to pivot away from your current business? Making the decision to change or even completely let go of something that’s been financially supporting you is hard. But staying in a business that drains you will eventually lead to burnout, frustration, and resentment. Here are some signs that it might be time to pivot:

• You’ve Lost Your Passion and Drive: If the thought of working on your business no longer excites you, and you're forcing yourself through each day, it's time for a change. Passion is essential to long-term success.

• You’re Not Seeing Growth: If your business has plateaued and you can’t see a clear way forward, this could be a sign that you’ve outgrown the model or market. When growth stalls, it’s often a sign that it’s time to rethink your strategy or pivot to something new.

• You’re Struggling to Innovate: When you’re stuck in a rut, it becomes hard to come up with new ideas to take your business forward. If your creativity has been drained by the monotony of your business, it’s a clear sign it might be time to pivot.

• You’re Not Making the Impact You Hoped For: Many solopreneurs start their businesses to make a difference. If you feel like your work is no longer creating the impact you envisioned, it’s worth considering if your business model or offering needs to evolve.

Lesson for Solopreneurs:
Change is hard, but sometimes staying in a business that no longer fulfills you can be harder. If your passion, creativity, and energy are gone, it’s time to seriously consider a shift.

Feeling Torn Between Giving Up or Holding On Too Long?
If you’re unsure whether you’re giving up too early or holding on to a business idea that’s never going to work, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs face this dilemma. For more guidance on how to determine the difference, check out my article on How to Determine the Difference Between Giving Up Too Early and Holding On Too Long to a Business Idea. You’ll find practical tips to help you make the right decision for your business.

4. How to Pivot Without Risking Everything

Pivoting doesn’t mean throwing everything away. It means adjusting your course to align with your new interests, values, and energy levels. Here are a few steps to pivot without risking everything:

• Start Small: Instead of a complete overhaul, try making small changes to your business. Test new offerings or marketing strategies to see if they resonate with your audience.

• Reassess Your Niche: If you’re no longer excited about your niche, consider narrowing it down or shifting focus to a new target audience that excites you more.

• Explore New Business Models: If you’ve been offering services, try creating a digital product like a course or an ebook. If you’ve been freelancing, consider developing a coaching program or consulting service.

• Evaluate Financial Stability: Ensure you have a safety net before making drastic changes. Having a financial cushion allows you to pivot without the pressure of paying bills immediately.

Lesson for Solopreneurs:
Pivoting doesn’t have to be drastic. Start small, test your ideas, and gradually make the shift that aligns with your new passions and business goals.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Business Drain Your Joy

While financial security is important, it’s not worth sacrificing your mental health and personal happiness. If your business is draining you but still paying your bills, it’s time to assess whether it’s truly worth the cost. Remember that as a solopreneur, you have the flexibility to make changes and evolve.

If you’re feeling stuck in a business that no longer excites you or are struggling with the idea of pivoting, I can help. My Solopreneur Playbook course offers actionable steps for making confident business decisions and finding a path that aligns with your goals and passions.

Click here to get started today or book a coaching call with me if you need personalized support in navigating a pivot and creating a business that brings you energy, not exhaustion.