A Six-Month 'Out Of Office' for Life: My Entrepreneurial Journey
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Chapter 1: The Need for a Break
I am genuinely contemplating the idea of an 'out of office' response for life itself. This may sound drastic, but I believe it is necessary. I need a significant break from social obligations for at least six months. Currently, I work six to seven days a week, not by choice but out of necessity, and I require the time and space to tackle my financial struggles.
If you're also finding it hard to juggle work, rising living costs, and everyday life, perhaps this approach could be beneficial for you too. I'm curious if this idea will gain traction as many of us are taking on additional jobs to cope with the economic downturn.
Before I share a draft of my planned email responses and social media posts, let’s explore the reasons behind my decision to retreat for six months.
Section 1.1: The Entrepreneurial Approach
I have come across numerous articles about entrepreneurs who withdraw from their social lives for extended periods. They often describe this time of focused solitude as crucial for achieving their best work. Whether it's launching a startup or reaching a significant personal milestone, they have made substantial progress during these quiet phases.
I, too, need to make progress—specifically, I must escape the cycle I find myself in. Since losing my marketing business due to Covid in early 2020, I've been trapped in a low-paying job within the NHS, which forces me to constantly work overtime. This extra work detracts from my side projects, preventing them from growing to the point where they could eventually replace my overtime hours, thereby giving me back my free time.
When finances are tight, time becomes an invaluable resource. Currently, I trade my time for money, and I am eager to change that situation.
Subsection 1.1.1: Managing a Tight Budget
At present, I am surviving by meticulously tracking every expense on a budget spreadsheet to stay on top of my monthly debt repayments, bills, and food costs. There is no wiggle room in my budget. If I receive an invitation for even a casual drink, it becomes an issue, as I need to factor in the cost of the train fare as well, which I would have to take from my food budget.
Furthermore, if I try to discreetly order tap water, it often draws unwanted attention, and I would prefer to avoid that altogether. In fact, for the next six months, I plan not to order anything at all as I embark on my Entrepreneurial retreat.
Section 1.2: Aiming for Career Growth
I did not join the NHS with the intention of staying in a low-level position indefinitely. I aspire to advance in my career and to secure a solid pension for my retirement. Who knows what the economy will look like when I reach retirement age? I want to be prepared.
Initially, I aimed for an apprenticeship within the NHS, but opportunities are scarce. After two years of perseverance and feeling strung along by my previous Trust, I have come to terms with the fact that I might not secure one.
However, I refuse to give up on my career ambitions. My Plan B involves studying part-time while working. This necessity further emphasizes the importance of expanding my side hustle, as there aren’t enough hours in the week to juggle extra shifts and study adequately for a Master’s degree. I need to develop a more passive income stream that allows me the time to focus on my studies.
Chapter 2: Prioritizing Mental and Physical Well-Being
The first video titled "Setting Up Out of Office in Gmail | Vacation Responder" provides helpful insights into creating an effective out-of-office response, which can serve as a model for my own communications.
As I continue to reflect on my mental and physical health, I recognize that I need time to rest and recharge. While some may argue that I should maintain a social life, I personally prioritize alone time, which is crucial for my well-being.
Being an introvert on the autism spectrum (high-functioning Asperger's), I often feel overwhelmed after a long day of social interactions. The stress can be so intense that I come home wanting to cry. It’s clear that I need a break to regain my peace and quiet. With all the changes I’m trying to implement in my life, I require more space than ever.
Section 2.1: Crafting My Communication Template
To ensure that I make the most of my newly protected time, I need a template for communicating my absence without spending excessive time explaining why I can’t attend social events.
Given my autism, I am unsure how this might be received, so I welcome any feedback.
Here’s my draft:
"Thank you for the invitation! I hope you are doing well. I apologize for sending this message to multiple people, but I want to explain my situation, and I hope you can empathize.
To be honest, I am struggling with the cost of living and maintaining a work-life balance. Right now, I am working 6–7 days a week (including evenings) to escape a financial pit, and I simply cannot afford the train fare or any socializing at this time.
I am truly sorry, but I will need to refrain from outings for a while. Please don’t worry about me—this isn’t a cry for help. I’m embarking on a six-month 'Entrepreneurial Disappearing Act' to work my way out of this situation.
I have a plan dubbed 'Operation Cocoon' that requires the time and space to execute. This may sound unconventional, but in the face of our current economic challenges, it will take unique approaches to overcome.
I look forward to reconnecting once I’ve improved my circumstances (with my metaphorical butterfly wings).
Warm regards,
Sarah"
So there it is: my plan and my proposed response for when friends may not immediately grasp my situation. This may frustrate some, but I believe those who truly understand me will appreciate my objectives.
The second video titled "How to Set Out of Office in Outlook (New)" offers additional guidance on managing out-of-office settings, further enhancing my approach to this significant life change.