6d • General discussion
When You’re the Business: What Happens If You Get Ill? (Sole Trader Reality Check)
Quick reality check for anyone running a clothing print business solo…
I’ve just come off the back of flu / a chest infection and ended up on antibiotics. I was in bed for nearly a week, and only managed bits of work here and there. It’s one of those things we never really think about when we’re setting up on our own – until it happens.
When you’re a sole trader, getting ill doesn’t just mean “time off”… it can mean:
- Orders backing up
- Slower replies to customers
- Missed opportunities (messages, leads, upsells)
- Stress trying to keep things moving when you should be resting
THE BIG LESSON
You need a simple plan for what happens if you can’t work for a few days (or a week). Not to be negative – just to protect yourself and your customers.
Practical ways to deal with it (without overcomplicating it)
- Build a small cash buffer
- Have a ‘sick day’ operating mode
- Manage expectations early
- Create a backup option (even if you don’t want staff)
- Protect your energy
If you’re building your own print business right now, take this as your nudge: put a simple “what if I’m out for a week?” plan in place.
If you want, comment below with what you sell (DTF, vinyl, embroidery, POD etc.) and I’ll suggest the easiest ‘sick mode’ setup for your exact workflow.
Steve
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When You’re the Business: What Happens If You Get Ill? (Sole Trader Reality Check)
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