Bummed, but necessary

I just had to put the following on my Facebook page:

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I was truly blessed in 2010 to be able to make some fun cakes for my wonderful friends and family. All of your encouraging comments have gotten me through many a long night. As 2011 approaches, I realize I need to make a few changes before I completely burn myself out. Making cakes is only fun if I'm not stressed to the breaking point, and if my family isn't feeling like I love cakes more than I love them.

THEREFORE - in 2011 I have decided I will not make more than 2 (yes two!) large cakes per month, and those two will not be for the same date/weekend. Cheesecakes and the occasional cupcakes do not factor into that number, but my own children's cakes DO figure into that number. This means I will only take requests for one additional cake in March (Luke's birthday is in there), one in June (Gwen's is in there), and one in December (Charlotte's is in there). I currently am booked for all of January as I have two birthday cakes I am making for a dear friend's two boys.

So if you, as my friend or kin, would like me to make a cake for a special occasion you have coming up ANY time in 2011, please let me know as soon as possible so I can put a place holder for you on my calendar. It is strictly first-come, first-served. Last-minute requests (less than 2 weeks in advance) will be taken into consideration but please don't be offended if I tell you I am unable to help you out.

I don't want to seem ungrateful for all your support of my new hobby, but the toll it is taking on my family is simply not worth it to me. I hope you all understand!! I can't wait to get started planning the 24 cakes I'll be doing in 2011!

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It bums me out, but I'm finding I am spending so much time on cake stuff, that my family isn't getting the attention they need or deserve. A while back I was talking to someone who said "I had a friend who was making cakes but she had to quit because she go too many orders." I thought to myself "Wuss." Well - now I'm the wuss. LOL. I'm not quitting altogether, but I do need to cut way back or I'm going to find myself hating it.

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Comment by Sue Duda on January 5, 2011 at 10:06pm: Way to go Eileen, I have often thought that I would love to have my own bakery because I love to bake. I do it solely for pure enjoyment and a stress reliever. I hesitate to start taking on more than just family just for the same reason that you have come to realize..I would probably hate it....If I was younger, I would persue a career in it....it is too bad that there are so much red tape and regulations in our state....

Enjoy your hobby, I enjoy seeing your cake designs....

Sue

Comment by Misty Lanting on December 28, 2010 at 2:39pm: It's hard for me because I know how my family benefits from the money I make. It REALLY is a NEED in our household!

But yes, ignoring the kids running amuck throughout the house & ignoring the pile-up of housework (other than the kitchen which has been scrubbed down too many times to count in one day) makes me feel awful!

I go through feast of famine in my cake biz! Sometimes I have too many in one week. Sometimes I go weeks without even an inquiry!

You go with your gut! I think you chose well! :)

Comment by Isabel Marques on December 21, 2010 at 1:52am: Eileen i understand why you are doing it, i did it 20 years ago but i stopped altogether, for the same reason, family comes first.

only last year i started again, the children both married, hubby goes to work, and i keep myself busy during the day, either with fondant or on the net with cakes we bake. lol :)

Comment by Deah on December 20, 2010 at 9:40am: I don't see a wuss there! Your first "job" is your family and since you have small kids they need much more of your time now then they will need later. I'm glad you recognize what is truly important in life.

Comment by Kathy Kmonk on December 19, 2010 at 3:53pm: You are not a wuss. You have to do what is best for you and your family. I can't wait to see the 24 cakes you will be doing in 2011. Enjoy your family ...have a wonderful holiday season.

Comment by Cindy on December 19, 2010 at 2:20pm: I think you are a wise woman Eileen!

Bummed, but necessary

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