I'm getting to the point that I'd like to hang up my baker's hat for awhile and concentrate on other things. I never ran a business, but have several family members and a couple friends who regularly come to me.

I'm looking for the right way to say, "it's not you it's me!" lol, I'm just not enjoying cake decorating like I was. I can't be a licensed bakery anyway, so seems silly to do it at all... not like I'm needing to build a clientel (sp?). Anyway, cakes are messy and time consuming and when your heart just isn't into it anymore it's just not worth it!

Have any of you ever been where I am? Did you eventually get back into it later? I'm not ready to sell my inventory, just not ready to take another order.

Wendy

HI

I feel you, I was needing a break and pretty took off the month of December. I just told people that I couldn't take any orders right now. Be honest or make up an excuse. I would tell them that you don't have the time right now and are taking a break from cakes. My guess, when you have had a little down time, you will aching to get back to it as some point. If you enjoy doing them, you will again.

Do what you feel in your heart. You can't keep doing things that you don't want to. I promised that If I ever felt that way, I am definately going to take a break, I would hate to get to the point where I didn't like cakes anymore. Just follow your heart and you will be fine.

Best oF luck
Dawn

I know where you're coming from. Although I really enjoy doing cakes, I do not want to be "pressured" into doing a cake or two a week or even a cake or two a month. I like what I do, but don't want to really "grow a business" either. (I'm in the same boat where I cannot have a legit business from home). An occasional cake here and there is plenty to keep me busy and happy.

I'd just suggest to let your friends and family know you'd like to take a break from cake for awhile. And maybe you can refer them to someone else who is looking for more business. I think once you take a break for awhile and then decide to do cakes on your own terms, you might get back to finding the joy in your hobby.

Good luck!

I definitely think that you can tell people "thanks, but I'm not taking orders/requests right now so that I can focus on other things".

I still visit CC ALL the time but I am trying to step away from cakes a little so that I can try to get some scrapbooking done - another hobby that I have but have not done much with recently.

I think people would understand - particularly if you can give them a referral like mconrey suggested.

Oh yes, I have been there. I have taken several extended breaks in the 3 years I have been decorating but I always keep coming back. : )

Don't sell anything off, you will pick it up again at another time. : )

Just tell me you are not currently taking orders. Leave it at that. Unless they are nosy that should be fine. : )

i am actually getting back into it after taking a break. I wasn't even getting asked all that much. Sometimes i get so into things and i really over do it. I had an excuse. I got pregnant and the thought of cakes made me ill... Just tell them youve got other stuff on your plate.

I've been there too. I actually just took off the past 3 months and now I'm itching to make a cake. I have always kept up with CC even though I haven't done any cakes. I REALLY wanted to do an ornament and so many other cakes, but I just didn't have the time.

I have a large family and they always ask me to make them cakes too. I just had to tell my sister that I could not make one for her on a weekend that I have vacation planned. She wanted me to squeeze it in, but then she realized that would be impossible. I guess sometimes, people just want their FREE cake! Take the time off and when you get back, you will enjoy it like before. You really need this break though. Good luck and take care!

I will never do a cake for free.... I used to and people just took advantage. I make them buy the supplies and then it isn't so bad.

I took about 6 months off, got into freezer cooking, did a few cakes during that time but not much. The itch has come back however. Take a break, unlike some other hobbies, cakes are mentally chanllenging, and , it is what you make it!!

A very polite way without having to sound flakey or wishy-washy when it comes to wanting a break is to say "I'm so sorry but I'm already booked that day." Technically, if you have plans to sit on the couch or go to the zoo with your family, you are booked already. Why do we bust our tails to squeeze in one more order when we're already in over our heads? Because we love what we do. But every baker needs a time to rest and much like our doughs, you will rise again when you are ready! When another opportunity comes up and you think you are ready, all you have to do is say your calendar is open for that day.