The Struggles of Running a One-Person Business: Wearing 1001 Hats

If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss, the reality might not be exactly what you imagined. Being a small business owner is a dream, don’t get me wrong, but it’s also a relentless, exhausting, and often overwhelming hustle. I’m sure many of you can relate when I say that running a business solo means wearing all the hats. Not just a few — ALL of them.

From being the owner and founder to the photographer, scheduler, accountant, designer, and manager, there are literally 1001 roles I play in my business. And that’s before I even get to the more unexpected roles: the prop builder, the IT support person, the social media manager, and even the late-night emergency responder to text messages and emails. It can feel like every single second of my day (and night) is filled with something that needs doing, and it’s hard to keep up with it all — especially when I’m trying to do it well.

So, let’s get real. Running a business on your own? It’s tough. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, a test of resilience, and sometimes, it’s downright exhausting. But it’s also incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t change it for the world — well, maybe just a few more hands.

The Many Hats of a Small Business Owner

I’ve learned to juggle so many roles over the years, it’s almost impossible to list them all. And while the experience has given me valuable skills in areas I never thought I’d need, there’s no denying that being everything to everyone is exhausting. Here’s a glimpse into my daily reality:

1. The Owner/Founder

As the owner and founder, I’m responsible for everything that happens in the business. That means making the big decisions — the strategy, the goals, the direction — and making sure everything aligns with my vision. I have to stay on top of industry trends, business operations, finances, and customer satisfaction. Every challenge, every opportunity, and every risk falls squarely on my shoulders.

There’s no one else to blame when things go wrong, and no one else to credit when things go right. The pressure is real, and it can sometimes feel like I’m carrying the weight of my entire business on my back.

2. The Professional Photographer

As a creative, photography is the heart of my business. But I’m not just behind the camera taking beautiful shots. I’m responsible for the entire process — from conceptualizing ideas to setting up shoots, adjusting lighting, styling props, composing each frame, and editing photos. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my craft and stay ahead of the competition. I am the artist, the technician, the stylist, and the editor all in one.

This isn’t a typical 9-to-5 job, either. Photography is often unpredictable, and the creative process doesn’t always follow a neat, orderly schedule. And when I’m working solo, there’s no one else to help set up equipment, carry props, or take over when I’m in a creative block. Every photo shoot is a one-person show.

3. The Scheduler

Who knew scheduling could be so time-consuming? Between booking clients, coordinating dates, following up on confirmations, and managing the calendar to avoid double-bookings, it’s like playing Tetris with time. Then there are the inevitable last-minute changes — reschedules, cancellations, or new inquiries that need to be slotted into an already packed calendar.

It’s a constant balancing act. I have to keep track of all my appointments, shoot locations, travel schedules, and personal commitments, all while making sure everything stays organized and on time. With multiple platforms to monitor (email, social media, phone calls, and even texts), there’s no room for error. If I miss an email or a call, I risk losing potential business or disappointing clients.

4. The Accountant

When you’re running a business on your own, the financial side is all you. You’re the one handling the invoices, the payments, the taxes, and everything else related to the money side of things. I spend hours each week sorting through receipts, tracking expenses, ensuring invoices are paid on time, and dealing with the nitty-gritty of bookkeeping.

While I’m no accountant (and I’d love to hand this over to someone else), the reality is that unless I have a sizeable budget for hiring help, I have to manage it all myself. This also means dealing with all the business taxes, legalities, and paperwork — a headache I could easily do without.

5. The Social Media Manager

Social media is a full-time job in itself. If you want your business to grow, you have to stay active on multiple platforms. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn — it’s a lot to juggle. Each platform has its own strategy, its own audience, and its own algorithms. But as a small business owner with limited time, it all falls on me to create engaging content, post regularly, interact with followers, and grow my online presence.

And then there’s the never-ending cycle of updates — new features, new tools, and evolving trends. Staying on top of all the latest social media marketing techniques takes up so much of my time, but it’s absolutely crucial for attracting and retaining clients.

6. The Prop Builder and Location Booker

After closing my own studio, I’ve had to adapt. Now I’m booking other locations for shoots and making sure that I can work in a variety of spaces. I also have to build props, gather materials, and ensure everything is ready for each shoot. It's one thing to be behind the camera — but it's another to coordinate logistics, track down props, transport equipment, and make sure everything is just right for each shoot.

Location scouting, travel planning, and even negotiating with venue owners all fall under my responsibilities now. And that’s not to mention the stress of having to deal with new venues, finding the right fit for different types of shoots, and securing dates that work for both me and my clients.

The Emotional Toll: When "Doing It All" Becomes Too Much

While I may have learned how to balance a hundred tasks at once, there’s an emotional toll that comes with being the only person running the show. No one else can pick up the slack when I’m exhausted or overwhelmed. There’s no one to bounce ideas off of, and sometimes it feels like no one else understands just how much work goes into making a business run smoothly.

The hardest part? The moments when you feel like you're not doing any one thing well enough because you're stretched so thin. There’s always something more that needs doing, but only so many hours in a day.

The constant pressure to be perfect in every role, to constantly hustle, and to keep up with client demands can lead to burnout. And even though I love what I do, sometimes it’s hard not to get frustrated when things aren’t moving as quickly as I want or when I feel like I’m failing to give each role the attention it deserves.

Finding a Way to Balance It All

Running a business alone is never easy, but over the years, I’ve learned a few things that help keep me from completely losing my mind.

1. Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no, or to set limits on how much you can take on. Learning to prioritize tasks and understand your limits is key to maintaining your mental and emotional health.

2. Outsource When You Can: As your business grows, look for opportunities to delegate. Whether it’s hiring part-time help or working with freelancers, even a little bit of support can lighten the load.

3. Give Yourself Grace: Perfection is an illusion. Sometimes good enough is enough. Take a step back, celebrate the small wins, and acknowledge how much you’ve accomplished.

4. Take Breaks: It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, but breaks are essential for maintaining long-term productivity. Step away when you need to, even if it’s just for a few hours to clear your head.

Conclusion: The One-Person Show

Running a business solo is tough — there’s no getting around that. The stress, the responsibility, and the constant juggling act can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each challenge I overcome is a testament to my perseverance and my passion for what I do. And every success, no matter how small, is a reminder that I can wear all these hats and still move my business forward.

So, to all the small business owners out there doing it all on your own — keep going. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, even on the days when it feels like you're drowning in responsibilities. You are a force, and every step forward is one worth celebrating. You’ve got this!