This is going to sounds self-promotionally pathetic but the level of stress is beyond what I can handle. I'm hoping for any thoughts and insights of my fellow entrepreneurs. What do you do when things are going well but all you want to do is leave?
I am a successful entrepreneur from nearly every metric. I started a professional services firm about a decade ago which has grown to 17 employees and a few million in annual revenues. I've hated the business for a long time and have been trying to get out for many years. I finally think that I have have things figured out but I'm not able to exit completely due primarily to my spouse. She also works for the firm and has a deep seeded fear that if I announce an exit the business will fall apart. All I want to do is walk away and let the firm go on without me.
It's amazing that it takes twice the work to remove my responsibilities to the firm. The biggest issue being I have been principal management and rainmaker. I've hired new office management and have invested heavily in marketing over the past year to get out of being the "main man." It's an ongoing process but has definitely required a ramping up of my involvement at this point.
My journey to leave the business began in real estate development. I have a few large scale projects moving forward that I've been able to hire agents to take care of a lot but not all of my responsibilities on the construction. However, if any of the deals goes sideways, I'm basically bankrupt due to huge ($10mil+) in personal guarantees on construction so maintaining these projects is of utmost importance.
Finally, I've agreed to partner into a boutique investment bank which is what I really want to do with my future. I'm basically taking over operations and there is a huge amount of time required to get it up to snuff to be able to scale to the next level. I wouldn't have the opportunity without jumping into the fire without my current other ventures but have way to much on my plate to give any business the time or focus needed to make all successful. I'm afraid if I took any step back on this the opportunity will pass by.
At this point I'm completely burnt out and sick of the long days and huge liability risks. Short of burning bridges or selling out, I'm fighting for a cure. I'd love any ideas and experience share that has helped in these unique situations.
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