From Flying High to Grounded: The Challenges of a Hawker's Life

Former SIA air-hostess Cherry Kiang, 29, recently shared her struggles as a first-time hawker on her TikTok account @/cherrykiang. She described her gruelling reality, filled with long hours and emotional tolls.

“The 12-hour workdays, six days a week, are wearing me down,” she wrote. The immense pressure of running a business often left her feeling drained and unfulfilled.

One significant challenge for Cherry involved missing time with her beloved 14-year-old dog. She expressed guilt and sadness over not being there for her pet as she aged. Every day away felt like lost time she could never recover.

Furthermore, Cherry unexpectedly grappled with the dynamics of working closely with her husband, Duncan Hsu. “We’re together all the time, and it has definitely put a strain on our relationship,” she revealed. This blurring of personal and professional lines added to her stress, making it difficult to navigate both roles.

Cherry also faced challenges in managing employees. Frustration arose when team members did not take the initiative, according to her. However, she struggled with how to address this without appearing overly controlling.

The pressure of maintaining sales, engaging on social media, and managing staff proved exhausting, often overshadowing the initial excitement of entrepreneurship.

Viewer Reactions

Mixed reactions poured in from viewers as they commented on different aspects of Cherry’s struggles on the post.

Many shared Cherry’s sentiments, mirroring their experiences as hawkers.

Others tried to reason with Cherry’s comment on her employee/s not taking enough initiative.

A handful of commenters cheered Cherry on, and conveyed their well-wishes.

Advice rallied in from viewers, too, as they tried to help Cherry with different outlooks mixed with support.

All in all, Cherry’s recent post brought to light the hardships and actuality of first time hawkers, especially as Cherry had an otherwise cheerful tone to the previous posts on her account.

Key Considerations for New Business Owners

Cherry’s experiences highlight the rigorous demands of running a business. Entrepreneurs need endurance, as the journey often requires long hours and significant effort. Cherry and Duncan invested $30,000 to start Kiang Kiang Taiwan Teppanyaki.

While their venture attracted attention, the daily grind proved taxing. According to recent statistics, many small business owners work extended hours, with 33% working at least 50 hours per week, and 25% clocking more than 60 hours weekly. Additionally, over 70% of small business owners report working weekends regularly. These long hours can often lead to stress and poor work-life balance, with only 57% of owners taking vacations, and even those who do, often check in on work.

Striking a Balance: Achieving Work-Life Harmony

Achieving a work-life balance can seem elusive for many entrepreneurs, including Cherry. There are several recommended strategies to help create healthy boundaries. Prioritizing time management, delegating tasks, and setting aside time for rest are essential practices.

Additionally, working alongside a partner can complicate personal relationships. Experts advise setting clear boundaries to ensure both personal and professional aspects of life receive adequate attention. Taking short breaks and ensuring downtime can provide much-needed relief from the pressures of business ownership.

Cherry’s Journey: A Testament to Perseverance

Despite her struggles, Cherry remains committed to her dream. The support she receives from her community reinforces her determination. Every day of hard work brings her one step closer to achieving her goals.

Ultimately, Cherry’s story illustrates the sacrifices entrepreneurs make while pursuing their passions. Nevertheless, with perseverance and self-awareness, she aims to find harmony between ambition and personal well-being.

Watch the post here: