Dom Joly creates hilarious comedy skit to highlight small business struggles
DOM Joly has helped create a hilarious comedy skit that highlights the everyday struggles of small business owners.
In classic Joly style, the comedian, best known for Trigger Happy TV, plays an overwhelmed entrepreneur, juggling endless work calls and client demands while trying to carve out a moment of peace.
The sketch, created in partnership with Air Landline, brings humour to the problem of work-life balance that many business owners face.
It comes after a survey commissioned by the virtual landline company found 16 per cent always feel like they’re on-call 24/7.
And 50 per cent will respond to a message received out of office hours within 30 minutes, if not immediately.
A spokesperson for Air Landline said: “Being your own boss sounds great in theory, but the reality is that it often means you’re working even harder.
“You’re not just managing the business, you’re deeply involved in every decision, from the small details to the big picture.
“As a result, small business owners often find themselves working during hours they should be spending on personal activities.
“Whether it’s an important project that needs finishing or an issue that can’t wait, the business needs constant attention, which means personal time often becomes an afterthought.”
The demand for immediate responses from clients leaves 72 per cent feeling guilty when they take time away from work.
A fifth of respondents haven’t had a holiday in more than five years, and 13 per cent feel physically or mentally ‘drained’ on a daily basis.
The survey also found 41 per cent believe their inability to switch off has affected their personal relationships.
Business calls have also been taken during a family dinner (23 per cent), while on the toilet (23 per cent) and even at a child’s school event (12 per cent).
But the fear of missing out on opportunities stops 23 per cent from taking a much-needed break, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
As many as six in 10 believe changing their work habits would improve their overall wellbeing, such as setting fixed communication hours or outsourcing tasks.
A spokesperson from Dirty Jack, which created the skit, said: “When we initially thought of doing a hidden camera stunt, we sort of daydreamed out loud, thinking how mental it would be if Dom Joly would ever get involved.
“A few months later, we thought, can’t hurt to ask.
“Within 30 minutes of reaching out, I was chatting with Dom on a Zoom call, and two weeks later, we brainstormed the Air Landline stunt with Dom over a Sunday roast.
“We also realised, with the 25th anniversary of Trigger Happy TV approaching, the stars were really aligning to have a play with some hidden-camera action together.
“Safe to say, we had an absolute blast making this.”