A huge perk to being a freelancer is that you can work when and where you want. But even with that freedom freelancers are notorious for not taking vacations and working right through, resulting in burnout. As a freelancer you may feel like if you aren’t working, you aren’t making money. But if you set up your calendar you can plan for this!
Nicki and Kate have real-world advice for freelancers struggling to take time off throughout the year.
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A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[1:20] Vacation time as a freelancer is very different than vacation time when you are on staff.
[2:45] As a freelancer you can take as much vacation as you want to, but freelancers are notorious for not taking vacations and working right through, resulting in burnout.
[4:00] Blocking time off at the beginning of the year is key, and give yourself buffer days around that time off. You don’t need to plan the vacations right away, but if you schedule time off you will have the opportunity to take the vacation or “stay”cation that you need!
[8:00] You can’t take an effective vacation if you don’t tell your clients in advanced. You need to prepare them that they won’t be receiving communication from you during that time. It’s wise to send reminders and then be sure to set out of office responders for your email.
[12:30] When creating your out of office responder for your emails keep it short and to the point. It doesn’t need any travel plans or details.
[16:45] Give yourself at least a work day of buffer when you return, so that you can go through emails and catch up on stuff without feeling overwhelmed by clients.
[19:30] As a freelancer, you may feel like if you aren’t working, you aren’t making money. But if you set up your calendar you can plan for this!
[24:00] If you are afraid of not making money when on vacation, and have not factored that into your rates during the rest of the year, you can compromise and work some of the time you are on vacation.
[28:20] While working hard and taking action and moving forward with your career are important, it’s just as important to take time off and give yourself time to relax and decompress.
Want More Ideas for How to Get Away? Check Out These Ideas!
- 10 Unnecessary Copywriting Stressors
- Tip for Success: Take a Vacation from Your Business
- Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries
- Preventing Burnout as a Copywriter
“You don’t owe anyone an explanation. I know sometimes we feel like we have to say all these things to justify our time off. But you don’t.” -Kate
“You do need to take time off. You cannot work constantly. You cannot work every single week. Well, yes, can you? Yes, you can. But it’s not going to last long. You need time off.” – Nicki
“I can’t emphasize how important this is. As much as working hard and taking action and moving forward with your career is important, transparently I struggle to say just as important, but real real close is taking time off.” – Nicki
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Last Updated on September 23, 2023
