Week #11 Progress
This week felt heavier than the last few, mostly because Balanced Returns didn’t slow down just because my semester started back up. I’m now back in school full time while still running the business, and that shift hit me pretty quickly.
On the positive side, clients are actively filing returns with me and the business is making money. That part feels good, but it also comes with a different level of responsibility. When people are trusting you with their tax information and paying for the service, it changes how you approach the work. I’m taking more time to review things and double-check details, even when it means things move a bit slower than I’d like.
One thing I didn’t expect this week was how much time I’d lose to software issues. What should have been a straightforward process turned into troubleshooting and trying to figure out why things weren’t working the way they should. It was frustrating, especially with limited time, but it was also a reminder that running a business means dealing with problems that have nothing to do with clients or effort. Sometimes it’s just the tools getting in the way.
I also had an interesting experience with networking that came up naturally. One client mentioned family members who are looking for long-term bookkeeping support. I’m not in a position to take that on right now, but it was eye-opening to see how quickly opportunities can come from conversations alone. It made the business feel bigger than just individual tax returns.
The biggest challenge right now is time. Being back in classes, keeping up with assignments, and still serving clients has forced me to rethink my schedule completely. There’s less flexibility than before, and I’m learning the hard way that I can’t do everything at once without burning myself out.
Overall, the project feels real in a different way than before. It’s no longer about whether the idea works. It’s about whether I can maintain it while balancing everything else going on in my life.
What I’m learning about running a business is that progress isn’t always smooth or efficient. There are delays, setbacks, and moments where you feel behind even when things are going well. I’m also learning that growth doesn’t always mean more clients. Sometimes it shows up as connections, conversations, or future opportunities.
This week has taught me that I need structure more than motivation. I can stay committed, but only if I’m honest about my limits and realistic about how I manage my time. It’s not glamorous, but it feels real - and that makes me want to keep going.
