Part 1: When Structure Disappears
I read something recently that struck a chord:
“No one talks about what it’s like going from having to be somewhere every day… to not having to be anywhere most days.”
That one line summed up a truth I’ve felt deeply, and I know I’m not the only one.
As a mother of three and a serial entrepreneur, I used to build my life around tight routines, packed calendars, and constant movement. I scheduled jobs around nap time and school pickups, and I often felt that the more I had to juggle, the more I could actually get done.
Now, my kids are grown. My calendar has space. My house is quiet.
And some days… I look up and wonder where the time went.
Why does this matter for our vendor community?
Because this moment—this shift from a busy, structured life to one with more flexibility and freedom—is happening for many of you, too.
Some of you are still working a full-time job, running your booth business in the margins. Others are parenting full-time and crafting during precious windows of peace. And then there are some, like me, navigating a new chapter: more space, more time… but not always more output.
It’s a strange feeling, right?
- You have the freedom to design your days…
- But your motivation can feel elusive.
- You’re “off the clock,” but somehow still tired.
- You’re doing what you love, but feel disconnected from a clear sense of progress.
This floaty, unstructured middle space between hustle and ease doesn’t get talked about enough. And yet, so many of us are in it—figuring out what productivity looks like without the pressure of a boss, a bell schedule, or a daily to-do list dictated by someone else.
So, if you’re feeling a little lost in your own version of this in-between—know this:
You’re not failing.
You’re not lazy.
You’re just transitioning.
This is part of the journey—whether you’re building your booth biz between diaper changes or downsizing your days after decades of go-go-go.
And I believe there’s wisdom (and maybe even magic) in learning to sit with and be in the stillness.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll talk about how to build supportive structure without burning out—and how to create your own version of a “successful day” that reflects your current season of life.
Until then, keep showing up. Even if it’s just for yourself.
Read Part 2 here.
— The Booth Boss
