As we move into July, warm weather and sunshine will continue to boost Americans’ desire to get outside and relax. The limitless amount of outdoor festivals, holidays and summer activities provide a perfect opportunity to escape the office and take a few personal days. While many employees fail to use at least one-third of their vacation time each year, it is important to remember that taking time-off is vital in the success of your career and personal well-being. Even if you work from home, it is important that you take a break once in a while and enjoy your time off and contractors, consultants and freelancers in particular should not consider themselves exempt from vacation time.
Time to rest and recharge
Despite the fact that many people neglect to take vacations because they are afraid they will fall behind in their work, taking time-off is actually crucial for those who work independently. It is easy to get burned out when you’re continuously working long hours on similar projects, which can lead to irritability, ineffectiveness and even an increased amount of time to complete projects. In order to keep referrals and work load up, freelancers need to be well-rested to carry out their best work.
Plan Accordingly
Before planning a vacation, it is important that you plan ahead and budget for time off.
- Save up enough money to cover the time you will not be working to cover your day to day expenses as well as the expenses you will accrue during your trip.
- Be sure to let your clients know when you will be gone. This not only gives them a heads up that you may not be able to be accessible to them if something comes up, but also gives them time to prepare for your absence should they need anything completed or any questions answered before you go. Letting your clients know well in advance that you will be gone will ensure there will be no misconceptions of your availability.
Commit to your Plans
- As soon as you have worked out when would be the best time to take a vacation, book it immediately! Make reservations as soon as possible so you can solidify your plans. Firming up your plans will keep you from cancelling your much deserved trip to work on projects that can truly wait until you return.
- Decide to leave all work-related technology at home. You will not get the most of your vacation if you are constantly checking your email and talking on your cell phone while you are supposed to be relaxing.
- Set up an out-of-office reply message on your email and update your voicemail with the dates you will be away. It is important to do this so everyone knows when you will be gone, when you will be back, and how they can contact you (or someone else who can help) if a really important issue emerges.
Making the Most of your Vacation
Since all vacations are unfortunately for just a limited amount of time, make sure you take full advantage of your situation.
- Bring a friend or your family. Sharing fun times with people you love will surely help you to de-stress, wind down, and make the most of your trip.
- Bring a book for the plane/ car ride. If you keep yourself busy reading, you won’t be tempted to turn on your Blackberry or laptop to do work or find new projects on Sologig.com.
- Take lots of pictures. When you get home, you can hang them up in your work space so even during times of stress, you will remember what it feels like to be relaxed.
Vacations are an important aspect of contract and freelance work. Make sure you take time each year to rejuvenate so you can be more productive in both your personal and professional life. When you come back from your time off, hopefully you will have a renewed perspective that may even help you land new clients!
