Lonely?

Navigating the Challenges of Working Solo

When we followed Chuckie Lund into her solo salon setup last month, we felt compelled to pop on our favorite swimwear and take a deeper dive into the world of groomers working alone. It wasn't just the salon setup that piqued our curiosity (although it's worth checking out if you haven't already), but rather Chuckie's insights into the pros and cons of working solo that struck a chord with us.

When we turned to Google in search of information about working as a dog groomer independently, we were met with some fairly common questions:

1. Can I run a dog grooming business from home?

2. How much do self-employed dog groomers make in Australia?

3. Is dog grooming a viable business in Australia?

4. Can dog grooming be a successful side hustle?

But today we wish to explore a specific aspect closely tied to the experience of working alone, in particular, addressing the mental health challenges that can arise when you are a solo act.

Before diving into these challenges, let's take a moment to appreciate the positives of working solo. It can be immensely gratifying and rewarding. You have the freedom to set your own hours, choose the type of work you take on, and bask in the glory of your successes. No more managing staff or dealing with managerial expectations, KPIs, or TPS reports. Plus, fewer workplace distractions can lead to increased efficiency. We’re sure there’s many more perks, too!

LONELINESS?

What we want to delve into today is the issue of loneliness. Often, we associate loneliness with the physical state of being alone. However, loneliness is primarily a state of mind, which is good news because it suggests that we can address it even when we can't change our physical circumstances.

There are three types of loneliness:

1. Existential loneliness: A feeling of fundamental separateness from others and the wider world.

2. Emotional loneliness: The absence of meaningful relationships.

3. Social loneliness: A perceived deficit in the quality of social connections.

Unfortunately, dog groomers, like most independent workers, are susceptible to all three types of loneliness, especially considering their clients are often non-verbal.

THE SOLUTION

Ironically, when researching ways to combat loneliness, one common suggestion is to spend time with non-human companions, specifically dogs. But what do you do when your entire day is spent with non-humans? Fortunately, we discovered several other strategies:

1. Engage in small talk. While the phrase might make your skin crawl, extending your conversations, whether with pet owners during drop-off and pick-up or chatting with a fellow shopper in a supermarket line, can be surprisingly fulfilling in the long run.

2. Build a community of like-minded people. Even if you're physically isolated in your work environment, you're not alone. There's a large community of like-minded individuals. In fact, 44% of respondents to our 2022 Great Groomer Survey operate from home-based salons, with another 21% working solo in trailers. You can join Facebook groups, like the igroomhub community page, to connect with others.

3. Embrace 'YES.' Loneliness often grows when we repeatedly decline social opportunities due to social anxiety. Overriding the impulse to say 'no' when friends or family make plans can help break the cycle of loneliness.

4. Sit with it. It might seem counterintuitive, but it's impossible to feel 100% all the time. Acceptance can help you move forward more quickly. Validate your emotions with self-talk like, "I'm feeling lonely, and that's okay," and respond to yourself as you would to a friend. We often treat others more kindly than we treat ourselves, so practicing self-compassion can be powerful.

RESOURCES

Remember, working for yourself doesn't mean you have to work by yourself. Loneliness affects 70% of self-employed individuals, so nobody is alone in their struggle. Accepting your emotions and seeking support is a courageous and powerful step. Numerous resources are available to help when mental health needs a boost. Here are some helpful links:

• Listening Ear: www.listeningear.org.au

• Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au

• Black Dog Institute: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

• Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au

By recognizing and addressing the challenges of working solo, you can make your journey as an independent dog groomer a more fulfilling and balanced one.

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