We all need the occasional break. This is especially important for freelancers because we don’t have mandated vacation time or other types of official downtime. As part of setting boundaries, it’s vital to schedule your downtime and communicate with clients about such respites.
Freelancers, realize that you can and should take time off. It is not only possible but essential to your mental and physical wellbeing.
According to Allina Health, “Studies have shown that taking time away from the job and everyday stress can have physical and mental health benefits. Vacations are linked to: lower stress, less risk of heart disease, better outlook on life, more motivation to achieve goals,” as well as improved physical and mental health, greater well-being, increased mental motivation, improved family relationships, less burnout and boosted happiness. “A well-timed trip can help you feel refreshed and more prepared to handle whatever comes when you return,” says Allina Health’s Sarah Paper, LP, PsyD. Sources such as Cleveland Clinic, Harvard Business Review, The Washington Post and more agree.
It’s up to us, as our own bosses, to make sure we have that essential time to relax, recharge and renew.
Additionally, vacations can be good for a freelancer’s business — as soon as you say you’ll be taking time off, clients suddenly have projects to do before you head out.
To plan your time off, figure out what you need: an hour a day, a day a week, a day or two a month, a week, maybe two weeks or more each year? Not everyone needs the same amount of downtime. Deadlines and family are the primary variables: when you have work that’s due and when your family members want vacations.
The big challenge is letting current and prospective clients know when you’ll be out of pocket. The classic freelancer’s fear is, “If I say I’m not available, my clients will go elsewhere.” That can happen, but in my experience, it’s rare, especially with clients who know you and appreciate what you bring to their projects.
Some freelancers post “office hours” on their websites and let new clients know about scheduled downtime in initial conversations. That sets boundaries right away.
For clients who are used to you being available on call and sending you projects at random, often with the expectation of fast turnaround, notify them early. Your timing for communicating about absences might depend on the kinds of projects and clients with whom you work; I’d give regular clients a week, maybe two, of notice. For certain clients, you might choose to check email regularly and/or provide your mobile number in case something urgent comes up.
Set an “out of the office until …” auto-responder on your email and a similar message on your voicemail. If you belong to email discussion lists, consider temporarily unsubscribing — or configure your autoresponder only to react to messages from individuals, so that your autoresponder doesn’t respond to every list message.
Don’t announce travel plans on Facebook or other online platforms; there is always the potential that someone may take advantage of your absence. Regale your online connections with highlights of your trip after you get back.
If your projects are more long-term, you can plan a vacation — and your work — around those known deadlines. You and your clients can be prepared, and set earlier deadlines than usual so work can be done before you head out. Consider finishing other projects ahead of deadline so you’re free to enjoy those trips.
However you structure your freelance business, don’t let fear of losing clients or any other concern keep you from building occasional short and long breaks into your (work)life. Your mental and physical health will benefit, along with your family time, and your clients will have a renewed appreciation of your availability.