Alizah Josette

Last summer, I did the unimaginable for a small business owner: I took a break.

Many founders know the reality of 16+ hour workdays, an ever-growing to-do list, constant pressure to keep pushing, and the burnout that often follows. I was still in the early stages of my company—self-funding, serving as the sole employee, maintaining a corporate day job, and sacrificing my own well-being in the process.

Being a business owner is as challenging as it is rewarding, and I believe inventing the Spherehead pillow is one of my life’s purposes. Since launching in May 2024, Spherehead has helped hundreds of people relieve neck and shoulder pain and achieve a more healing night’s sleep. The business allows me to make a greater impact and contribute on a larger scale—but there is a personal cost.

After spending most of my time sitting at a computer, I became ill in early August. That illness forced me to stop and rest.

As I began to recover, I realized that while self-imposed pressure—to complete tasks, grow the business, and succeed—is often necessary, it must be balanced with self-care. I decided to do what I had previously considered impossible: I chose to take a break.

I stepped back from my company for the remainder of the summer. That time away restored my spirit and reignited my passion for Spherehead. When I returned to work, I felt excited, energized, and a bit wiser.

I hadn’t known—or perhaps I had simply refused to acknowledge—that I was burned out. I had fallen into a routine and failed to consider an alternative path.

The small business journey is a long road. To sustain it, we must take breaks and rest along the way. Business goals matter—but the health and well-being of the business owner matter too.

If you’re like most founders, working long hours and constantly striving to succeed, my advice is this: it’s better to take a break by choice than by consequence. Life is short. Make time to step away from work and allow yourself to experience peace.