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How to Recognize and Prevent Burnout in Your Microbakery Business | Episode 102



Building a thriving sourdough microbakery is about more than baking bread. It’s about creating a business that serves your household, preserves your joy, and protects your energy. Over time, I’ve seen so many bakers pour themselves out, say yes to everything, and lose the excitement that led them to start in the first place.


This post is a candid look at burnout—what it really looks like, how to spot it early, and what you can do to protect yourself before you crash. These insights come straight from my own experience in a very full season, and my hope is that you’ll feel encouraged, supported, and equipped with tools to sustain your business for the long haul.


Burnout Isn’t Always Dramatic

Burnout doesn’t always look like a total crash. It can sneak in quietly and build over time. You may start dragging your feet on tasks you once enjoyed or avoid your kitchen altogether.


Common signs of burnout include:

  • Physical exhaustion even after a full night’s sleep

  • Decision fatigue and mental fog

  • Losing joy in the work you used to love

  • Feeling like you’re just going through the motions

If these sound familiar, it’s time to pause. Taking a week off or simplifying your menu can make a huge difference in preserving your energy and passion.


A Simple Self-Audit for Bakers

To catch burnout early, I use a simple self-audit. These four checks help me see where I’m at before I hit a breaking point:

  • Energy Check: Are you waking up tired more days than not? If so, it’s a signal to slow down. Prioritize sleep and protect your rest—even a nap can help.

  • Joy Check: Are the parts of your business you normally enjoy starting to feel like a chore? This is a red flag worth noting.

  • Focus Check: Are you struggling to finish simple tasks or constantly distracted? Loss of focus is another warning sign.

  • Relationship Check: How are you showing up with your family, friends, or team? If you’re snappy or too drained to engage, it’s time to reassess.


Write your answers down. Seeing patterns on paper can make it easier to recognize what’s happening.


Practical Ways to Protect Yourself from Burnout

Once you’ve done the self-audit, it’s time to take action. Here are the strategies I use (and recommend) for staying healthy and sustainable during busy seasons:


1. Simplify Your Menu

If you’re overwhelmed, temporarily cut back on your offerings. Customers respect and appreciate a smaller menu done well. Lean on your core products and, if it feels right, add just one special “boost” item.


2. Revisit Your Boundaries

Be honest about what you can handle. Say no to collaborations or special orders that don’t fit your capacity. Remember: “No” is a complete sentence. Protecting your energy is a gift to yourself and your customers.


3. Set a Predictable Schedule

If you’re still squeezing orders in whenever they come, now is the time to create a consistent bake schedule. Choose prep days, bake days, and pickup days—and communicate them clearly. Predictability helps customers plan ahead and protects your time.


4. Build in Real Rest

Scrolling your phone on the couch is not rest. Find restorative downtime instead:

  • Take a quiet walk without your phone

  • Cook a meal just for fun

  • Read fiction or take a warm bath

  • Experiment with a new recipe outside your usual lineup


When you feel too busy to slow down, that’s exactly when you need rest most.


5. Align Your Work with Your Energy

Do your hardest tasks when your energy is highest. Pre-measure ingredients during a daytime block instead of staying up late to cram everything in.


6. Ask for Help

This one is big. Accept help even when it feels uncomfortable. Whether it’s hiring an assistant, leaning on a virtual team member, or letting a friend pitch in with prep work, support makes your business stronger. Delegating isn’t weakness—it’s how you build a bakery that lasts.


Building a Sustainable Microbakery

Running a sourdough microbakery that’s profitable and joyful takes intentionality. By catching burnout early, simplifying where needed, and asking for support, you’ll protect both your business and your well-being.


Your bakery doesn’t just need you to produce; it needs you healthy, present, and inspired. Take five minutes today to do your own self-audit. If you notice any yellow flags, pick one preventative step from this list and put it into action. Those small changes add up—and they’ll help your business stay strong for the long haul.


Links to things you might like!


  • Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including the dough bins I mentioned, packaging, pans, and more in my Amazon Storefrom! www.carolinebower.com/amazon




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