Organising holidays as a freelancer or self-employed person is very different from when you are an employee. There are so many more things you have to take into consideration. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this guide on self-employed holiday tips on what to do before you officially take time off as a freelancer.
1. Plan: Self-Employed Holidays
Look at your calendar and get a reasonable idea of when would be a good time to book a holiday.
For example, booking a holiday right after you’ve onboarded a new client wouldn’t be ideal. Consider these things before approaching your client to discuss the time you are thinking of taking off.
2. Do work in advance to ensure holiday pay
When agreeing on a date with your client when you would like to take time off, also work towards increasing your workload before you go on holiday to cover your pay for when you are away.
3. Take a REAL break
The great thing about freelancing is that we can work from any location- even abroad- and still do work. But the difference between taking a holiday and taking a holiday is that you are FREE FROM WORK.
That means putting the laptop down and relaxing. Give yourself a real break, away from all work-related things.
Catch up with friends you haven’t seen, and have fun! This can help you recharge fully, giving you the refreshment you need when you return to work.
4. Communicate with your clients: Self-Employed Holidays
Before you take your official self-employed holiday, clarify with clients that you will not be available for any meetings or workload during your time off.
They must recognise and respect this boundary.
Explain to them that it’s time for you to recharge to return better recharged to work with them.
5. Understand that you need and deserve a holiday
To prevent burnout, taking a holiday as a freelancer is important. Being self-employed, you can feel a sense of guilt for leaving your work or your clients on hold but don’t give in to this feeling. Please recognise that you NEED a break to flourish further, and you certainly deserve it after all the hard work you’ve been doing.
Your clients should surely understand this, too. After all, they’re human too!
If you’re starting as a freelancer, please check out my Beginner Freelancer E-course.
