Summer season gets complicated by unexpected staff shortages, lower-than-expected sales, and the added stress of new ventures, like purchasing rental properties and running Airbnb's? It’s not easy, and anyone juggling multiple responsibilities can relate to the exhaustion that comes from trying to manage it all. Here’s what I’ve learned while navigating a busy summer with challenges.
The Double-Edged Sword of Busy Summers
But just because it’s busy doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing.
This summer was packed, but not in the way I’d hoped. Staff sicknesses and vacations , making it difficult to keep up with the increased workload. Whether it’s the rentals needing cleaning, check-ins for Airbnb's, or customer orders piling up, the lack of hands to help can turn what should be a profitable season into a stress-filled scramble.
Managing Staff Shortages: The Hard Truth
Staff shortages have become a issue in recent times, but nothing really prepares you for the pressure of dealing with it firsthand. When you’re short-staffed, every task feels like it takes twice the effort, and burnout becomes a real risk.
The Reality of Lower-Than-Expected Sales
We expect busy summers to bring in higher sales, but that’s not the case this summer. Whether due to economic shifts, changes in consumer behavior, or just bad luck, sometimes the numbers simply don’t add up. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re working harder than ever, yet seeing lower-than-usual returns. Dealing with declining sales during an already stressful season forces you to rethink your strategies. I found myself constantly evaluating my product offerings, marketing tactics, and even pricing, wondering if there was more I could do to turn things around.
The Challenge of New Ventures: Purchasing Rental Properties and Running Airbnb's
As if managing the day-to-day of my existing business wasn’t enough, I also took on new ventures this summer by purchasing rental properties. On paper, this seemed like a smart investment—after all, real estate is typically a lucrative, long-term venture. But the reality of managing these new properties alongside my already demanding business was overwhelming.
Running Airbnbs is no small feat. From ensuring every guest has a flawless experience to maintaining the properties between bookings, the logistics can be draining. Small issues, like a broken appliance or last-minute booking requests, can spiral into hours of unplanned work. Add to that the constant need to market your rental to stay competitive, and you have a full-time job on your hands.
Purchasing new rental properties also brought its own set of challenges. Closing deals, arranging renovations, and ensuring the properties were ready for tenants or guests felt like a monumental task. And when you’re already running a business, the added pressure of financing and managing new properties can be downright exhausting.
Balancing It All: Is It Possible?
So, how do you manage when everything feels like it's happening all at once? Honestly, some days I questioned whether it was possible to keep all the plates spinning without dropping a few. But there are a few lessons I’ve learned through this process that helped me survive—and even grow—through the chaos.
Prioritize ruthlessly. Not everything will get done in one day, and that’s okay. Some things—like replying to every email immediately or perfecting a social media post—can wait.(Haven't posted in a while)
Outsource where possible. While staff shortages made this harder.
Embrace imperfection. Not every guest experience will be perfect, and not every order will be completed in time. Once I accepted that things might go wrong, I found myself stressing a little less.
Take time for yourself. It sounds impossible, but even stepping away for an hour can help reset your mind and give you the energy to tackle the next issue.
Looking Forward: Growth from Struggle
This summer was anything but easy, but I’ve come out the other side with a renewed perspective. The challenges forced me to adapt, learn, and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. While staff shortages, lower sales, and the demands of new rental properties made for a tough season, they also pushed me to streamline processes and rethink how I approach my business.
At the end of the day, entrepreneurship is about resilience. There will always be ups and downs, but each challenge is an opportunity to evolve. And who knows? Maybe next summer will bring smoother waters. But for now, I’m just happy to have weathered the storm.
Have you had a similar experience this summer? Share your story below—I’d love to hear how others are managing the struggles and successes of the season.
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