Booked but Broke: Why Being Busy Doesn’t Always Mean Profitable
You’re booked out, in demand, and maybe even getting referrals left and right—but your bank account still feels tight. If that sounds familiar, Episode 5 of The Work Between is for you.
In this candid conversation, we unpack one of the most common traps for photographers and creative business owners: being “fully booked” but still financially stretched. We’re pulling back the curtain on the numbers behind a seemingly successful business and talking through what to do when the hustle isn’t adding up.
What You'll Hear in This Episode
1. The Illusion of Success
Being busy isn’t the same as being profitable. We share the quiet red flags—like always working but never feeling like you can exhale—that often point to broken pricing, poor boundaries, or unsustainable business models.
“You didn’t start this business to make minimum wage in nicer clothes.”
If your energy, health, or time with your family is constantly sacrificed for work that doesn’t actually move your business forward, it’s time to pause and reevaluate.
2. A Real-Life Math Check
We break down the numbers with a simple formula you can do in under five minutes. Spoiler alert: revenue is not the same as profit.
We walk through a common session example and show how $350 per session might actually equate to just $12/hour once you account for taxes, expenses, and all the time spent behind the scenes.
We also share a free resource - a Cost of Doing Business Calculator - linked in the show notes & here to help you do the math for your own business.
3. Weekly Ask Us Anything:
"If I raise my prices, how long will it take to start booking again?"
We dive into pricing shifts, mindset adjustments, and what to expect during the recalibration phase of your business growth.
Why You Should Listen
This episode isn’t about shaming the hustle—it’s about creating clarity. If you’re tired of chasing a business that looks good on the outside but feels misaligned underneath, this episode will help you take the first step toward fixing it.
🎧 Listen to Episode 5: [Booked but Broke]
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Ready to stop guessing and start building sustainable momentum?
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