Ive been lucky enough to take regular vacations throughout my five-year freelance career.
Of course, actually unplugging from my work while Im on vacation is another story.
We can get into whether a working vacation meets the definition of vacation at all another time.
But its hard to fully unplug and unwind as a freelance business owner.
And what if I never get another assignment again?
What if I lose my momentum?
What if my clients hate me for leaving them for a week or two?
What if what if what if.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
Im a one-woman show.
Time off often means money left on the table and day-to-day business admin piling up.
And that makes it difficult to find (and actually take) time off.
But taking breaks isnt just a luxury or a nice-to-have.Not as an employeeand definitely not as a freelancer.
This year, I learned that the hard way.
As much as I loved the direction my business was going, my health and well-being were strained.
I knew something had to give.
And I quickly realized: I needed to take a real vacation.
But knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different things.
While I knew I needed a break, taking one would require changing my approach.
And this is true whether you have a busy client workload or are hustling to fill your calendar.
On the one hand, if you have a growing business, stepping away might mean dropping the ball.
But the truth is, you cant afford not to take a break.
Taking time off as a freelancer is possible.
It just requires strategic planning.
Heres whats worked for me:
1.
Telling your client youre taking time off (rather than asking) can feel uncomfortable at first.
Having a simple script can help.
Heres what I wrote to one client:
Hi, Client!
Just wanted to get that on your radar as you plan out your calendar for the next few weeks.
For this trip, Im taking two weeks off and notified my clients about a month before.
Most clients are flexible and happy to work with you around your calendarespecially when you have plenty of notice.
Or let me know if theres a better timeline for you.
Hi Brittney,
That works great for us, so well plan on that.
Thank you for the heads up!
Which brings me to my next tip.
Budget for your vacation
Freelancers dont get PTO from an employertime off work is time not making money.
But that doesnt mean you shouldnt take a vacation.
(Youll need to build up some savings here for a cushion).
That way, you have your own PTO with a steady income.
This is easiest to do when following the first two steps of planning ahead and communicating with clients early.
Set boundaries for yourself
Boundariesare a freelancers best friend.
Thats why I plan to fully unplug on this vacation.
No checking my email, no following up on work, nothing.
And how can I feel in control if Im not checking email?!
But I also know its something I need and deserve.
To make this work without leaving clients or prospects hanging, I set an automatedout-of-office notification on my email.
Are you seeing a theme here?
Subcontracting takes a little more planningespecially if you arent currently working with anyone yet.
But shifting your mindset can make a world of difference.
I find it helpful to remind myself of these things:
My clients will be there when I return.
Ive found work before, so I can find more work when I get back.
Vacation isnt a nice-to-have: it will make me better at my work.
Start small
Every situation is different, and not everyone can afford an extended vacation.
You dont even have to go anywhere either.
Simply taking a step back to unwind will give your mind and body the time they need to recharge.
So start where you are.
Now if youll excuse me, I have a vacation to take.
Article by Brittney Thompson originally posted onZapier.
you’re free to read the original articlehere.
