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Devise Singapore

Managing Stress and Burnout as a First-Time Entrepreneur in Singapore

  • Writer: Rachel
    Rachel
  • Apr 17
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 18



Starting your own business can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling decisions you'll ever make. But for many first-time entrepreneurs in Singapore, it can also be one of the most stressful. Long hours, tight cash flow, and the constant pressure to succeed can lead to burnout, especially when you're still figuring things out on your own.


Whether you're running a small SME from your HDB flat or have just set up shop in a shophouse unit along East Coast Road, this post dives into how to manage stress, avoid burnout, and keep your business—and your health—on track.


Why Burnout is Common Among First-Time Entrepreneurs


When you're just starting out, you're wearing multiple hats: marketing, finance, operations, and even HR. With all that going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For local business owners, the pressure is even more intense given the high cost of living and operational expenses in Singapore.


Common stressors include:

  • Unpredictable cash flow

  • Pressure to grow fast and break even

  • Struggles with working capital and budgeting

  • Difficulty getting a business loan

  • Social isolation and lack of support


Case Study 1: Sarah’s Struggle with Self-Pressure


Background: Sarah, 32, quit her marketing job in a big MNC to start a sustainable skincare SME business. Her brand gained quick traction on Instagram, but she felt the need to keep up the momentum and do everything herself.


Symptoms of Burnout:

  • Trouble sleeping, constant fatigue

  • Irritability and snapping at loved ones

  • Difficulty focusing on daily tasks


Turning Point: After a mini breakdown during a pop-up event at Orchard, Sarah realised she needed help. She brought in a part-time assistant, automated her social media posts, and reached out to Enterprise Singapore for working capital support.


Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to delegate. Burnout doesn’t just hurt you—it hurts your business. Look for available SME grants or even a small business loan to scale sustainably.


Case Study 2: Ahmad’s Battle with Financial Stress


Background: Ahmad, 40, started a home-based catering business during the pandemic. Business grew rapidly, but he struggled to manage cash flow and stock inventory due to a lack of upfront capital.


Symptoms of Burnout:

  • Anxiety over late payments and supplier deadlines

  • Constant overthinking, even on weekends

  • Feeling like giving up despite success


Turning Point: After consulting a business advisor, he applied for a temporary bridging loan to smoothen out his working capital issues. With the loan, he bought better equipment and paid suppliers on time.


Takeaway: Don’t suffer in silence. If money is stressing you out, explore your loan options early. Proper financial planning is key to mental well-being.


Practical Tips to Manage Stress as a New Business Owner


  1. Set realistic boundaries: Your business is important—but so is your mental health. Set working hours, take breaks, and don’t reply emails at 1am.

  2. Tap into local resources: From Startup SG to Enterprise Development Grants, Singapore has many schemes to help SMEs. Also, consider SME working capital loans to ease financial strain.

  3. Build a support system: Talk to other business owners. Join Facebook groups, networking events, or community chats like Telegram for business owners. You're not alone.

  4. Outsource when possible: You don’t have to do everything. Outsource accounting, digital marketing, or logistics to lighten your load.

  5. Stay physically active: A simple walk in East Coast Park or 20 minutes of home yoga can work wonders.


Final Thoughts


Being a first-time entrepreneur in Singapore isn’t easy, but you don’t have to burn out to succeed. Stay open to help, plan your finances wisely, and remember that running an SME is a marathon, not a sprint.


And if you're feeling stretched too thin, maybe it's time to relook at your working capital or explore that business loan you've been putting off. Devise Singapore is there to support local entrepreneurs just like you.


Take care of yourself, so you can take care of your business.

 
 
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