This is undoubtedly the busiest time of year—not just for me, but for so many others. The real question is: Do you let the frenzy overwhelm you, or do you pause to reflect critically on your own well-being?
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Over dinner yesterday, our family discussed Coen Swijnenberg's recent burnout. My daughter Lotte immediately asked, 'Mom, what is a burnout?' After explaining, she declared, 'I want to do what you do when I grow up, Mom—because you're never stressed. You won't get burned out.'
It might look that way from the outside. Even during this peak season—juggling blog writing, package shipping, events, and more—my kids see my role as the easiest job. I'm often home when they return from school, unlike many working moms. But appearances can be deceiving. I've learned to spot stress signals early and act on them proactively.
I've been on the brink of burnout myself. Years ago, before launching my own business, I worked long hours (often 50+ per week, excluding commute) as a business unit manager. Losing faith in my employer, coupled with my father's lung cancer diagnosis, overwhelmed me. My health suffered, prompting a bold pivot: I quit and started my own venture.
It may seem counterintuitive to launch a business during such chaos, but it provided the flexibility I desperately needed. No more three-hour daily commutes meant I could support my father during his toughest times. Entrepreneurship injected fresh energy into my life.
I poured more effort into MamsatWork.nl and acquired a children's clothing webshop. Stress soon resurfaced. For six years, I managed both—building sites, shipping orders, sourcing inventory, blogging, marketing, and customer service. Holidays amplified the frenzy, with forecasts predicting even busier seasons ahead.
Beyond daily operations, biannual inventory buys (€80,000–100,000 annually) triggered anxiety, as every euro needed recouping.
Solo webshop ownership demands 24/7 availability via phone and email. I admire owners who add personalized touches to shipments—it takes immense time. Early on, I did too, but eventually, timely dispatch became the priority over elaborate packaging.
Three years ago, closing the webshop was my best decision. No more packages, constant customer demands, or rigid schedules. Evenings are mine again, and family life feels more harmonious than ever.
I've mastered prioritization. During my parents' illnesses and passing—the true peaks of busyness—my husband Frank handled home duties, allowing me full focus. I'm deeply grateful.
We're in a much healthier place now. Commitments are intentional. Frank's 25-year tenure at his employer brings stability. I focus solely on MamsatWork.nl, savoring peak-season opportunities.
I carve out personal time evenings and weekends, recharging for crisp Monday starts. These aren't idle— we're renovating—but hands-on work restores me more than screen time ever could. It took years, but I've arrived. 😊
I hope you find that balance too. Don't let school projects like Sinterklaas surprises or Christmas dinners unravel you. Tune out social media noise, prioritize what suits your family, and embrace the joy.
Good luck!
