I know I’ve touched on this topic in previous blogs, but it keeps coming up for me: switching from the employee mindset to the flexible business owner mindset.
Even though I left my traditional office job over 3 years ago to create more freedom, I still find myself feeling guilty when I step away from my desk during the middle of the day. It’s almost like the old office habits are still sitting on my shoulder, whispering: “If you’re not at your desk, you’re not really working.”
Where This Guilt Comes From
For so many years, productivity was measured in hours spent sitting at a desk. Being seen working was proof you were pulling your weight. Even if the work was done, you didn’t just leave at 2 p.m. to run errands or take a walk — you waited until the official end of the workday.
Those habits are hard to shake. Now that I run my own business, I technically have the flexibility to step away when I need to… but the guilt still sneaks in.
The Reality of Running My Own Business
The whole point of leaving my full-time job was to build a life with more freedom. Life still happens during the day – appointments come up, the dog needs walking, groceries need to be picked up, or sometimes I just need a breather.
But here’s the funny part: instead of embracing that flexibility, I often catch myself feeling like I need to rush back to my desk or justify the time away.
Real-Life Moments
This shows up in so many small ways:
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Driving my son to his part-time job, then hurrying back even though there wasn’t anything urgent waiting for me.
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Sitting in the city while my daughter is at dance, debating whether I should bring my laptop and “make the most of the time” instead of just letting myself relax and read a book.
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Even walking the dog can feel like I’m “stealing” time from work.
And then there was yesterday. My husband came home from work early and noticed I hadn’t stopped for lunch yet. He had to remind me: “You know it’s okay to take a break, right?” It was a small nudge, but it really hit me… sometimes I’m the worst at giving myself the very grace I encourage others to take.
Why Breaks Actually Matter
The irony is, I know that breaks make me more productive. Stepping away clears my head, sparks creativity, and gives me the energy to show up better when I sit back down. Research even shows that regular breaks prevent burnout and improve focus.
Yet still, there’s that lingering mindset that if I’m not at my desk, I’m falling behind.
What I’m Trying to Reframe
I’m learning — slowly — that:
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Productivity isn’t about hours at a desk; it’s about progress.
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Rest and flexibility are not weaknesses; they’re part of why I built this business.
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Scheduling personal time into my calendar (just like a client meeting) helps make it non-negotiable.
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A lunch break, a walk, or a mid-day errand isn’t wasted time. It’s part of sustaining this work long-term.
Final Thoughts
I’m still working on this mindset shift and learning that breaking free from the employee mentality is an ongoing process. Running my business means giving myself permission to use the flexibility I worked so hard for — without the guilt.
If you’ve felt this way, remember the shift takes time — but it does get easier. The more we practice, the more we can embrace the freedom we’ve earned.
If you’re ready to set clearer limits and protect your time, fill out the form below for my free Boundaries Checklist, which can help you take the next step.
