This is the year for FAFO.

Here's something I've been thinking about lately. People tend to prioritize themselves—which is understandable. But it got me reflecting on my own position as a business owner, and whether I'm too accommodating.

As a business owner, I'm often cast as the villain. When employees can't pay their bills or feel they deserve more, I'm the first one they blame—not their own skills or work ethic. Many move from one job to the next without ever truly appreciating what an employer provides: stability, opportunity, and a paycheck.

Over the past year, I've heard more and more people talking about quitting, finding new jobs, or even retiring. There's nothing wrong with that—growth and self-improvement are important. But when someone has supported your journey, don't let them feel like their contributions meant nothing. The word I'm looking for is unappreciated.

You are not the boss of me!

   I’ve always had a low tolerance for nonsense, but lately, my patience account is officially overdrawn. I am done treating my life like a group project where I need majority approval just to spend my own money. I’ve reached that magical point where I plan to do exactly what I want, without needing to file a request form in triplicate first.

Too Many Acronyms in my Life

 I’ve officially exhausted my supply of patience for stupidity. Actually, let's be precise: I’ve lost the will to deal with people. Specifically, clients.

It’s a cruel cosmic joke that to keep my business running, I have to actually interact with the public. I’m rapidly losing the ability to feign interest. Yes, I understand the basic economic principle that clients equal income, but let's be clear: they are not my boss.

I already answer to DHS, NECPA, FACFP, and QRIS. Honestly, how many acronyms does it take to supervise a room full of toddlers? I have quite enough overlords, thank you. So, when a client approaches me with some trivial, earth-shattering complaint, I don't feel the urge to provide "service." I feel the urge to cut them loose and let them annoy someone else.

Be careful what you wish for

 "Be careful what you wish for," they say. After running a business for over three decades, I’m finally taking that advice to heart. For years, I’ve been the rock—the one who stayed put through the complaints, the threats to quit, and the walk-outs. I’m often amazed at how some people manage to pay their bills when they seem to have unlimited time to complain! Well, now it’s my turn to do the walking.

The current situation with DHS is, to put it mildly, a mess. They are tearing up the system, and I have zero desire to stick around for the fallout.

I’ve decided to seek a life that offers more meaning than just being the person everyone vents to.The DHS changes—supposedly "just until June"—are the final straw. I am officially done with the endless rules, the regulations, the office politics, and the clients who seem to think businesses run on good vibes rather than revenue. Everyone wants a deal, but "deals" don't meet payroll.

Ultimately, you have to decide who you’re going to please: your staff, your clients, or yourself. For thirty years, I put myself last. Not anymore. I’m starting a new chapter and leaving the chaos for someone else to figure out. If serving as a sounding board is my unofficial job, I should really start charging a consultation fee.

Happy Birthday Mom! You are 92 today!