Time off for freelancers is annoyingly complicated. Unlike in other jobs, we can’t just clock out for a few days or book holiday in advance. Any time that we take off usually just means a period of time that we’re not earning anything.
So what can you do to really switch off and enjoy the holidays as a freelancers?
Well, everyone works slightly differently. But here is what I’ll be doing.
I’m weirdly excited about this. From Monday 23rd I’m going to log out of all my work emails. I’m going to have a brief check of them on Friday 27th and Monday 30th (possibly) but other than that, remain logged out until January 3rd. When I check emails on those dates, I’ll just delete anything unnecessary and leave those I need to look at later unopened.
I’ve planned an out of office email which will automatically send should someone get in contact about work of some kind. It’s very polite and friendly, just notes that I’m taking some time off over the period to enjoy the holidays.
For the clients I work with regularly or semi-regularly, I’ve set clear boundaries with very clear dates that I will be offline for. I have told them that they are welcome to email during this period, just that they shouldn’t expect a reply. I don’t have any work due now until midway through January, so there isn’t an expectation that I will need to submit anything over the Christmas period anyway.
I understand that some clients are more understanding than others, but mine have been completely fine with this and just appreciate me taking two minutes to let them know.
I have long walks planned. Time with family. Christmas activities. And I’m going to turn my phone off completely for long periods during the day. Freelance work takes up almost constant head space, and I really need a full break to refresh and come back ready to get stuck into 2025.
I’m going to switch my phone off for long periods, but also log out of work specific social media. Maybe even delete those apps completely for a week or two. My work laptop is getting hidden away somewhere that I won’t think about it.
This time of year it’s nice to embrace the holidays and really detox from the work. Because it’s all digital for me, I’m looking forward to an extended break from it all.
Gained a dream commission this year? Proud of a particular piece of writing? Get work with an amazing client? Toast the wins! There are a few things that I’m really proud of this year, and I’m looking forward to celebrating them with family and friends this Christmas.
I’m not very good on reflecting on the good things that have happened, so this year I’m going to make time to reflect and celebrate. I’m hoping it will also inspire me to keep going as we reach the new year.
I have a clear return date (Friday 3rd January) BUT I’ll be easing myself in. That Friday will mean checking emails, looking through my upcoming work and getting myself organised as well as a little bit of Substack work. My full return will start on Monday 6th January, whereby I’ll aim get back to normal by the end of the week.
I’m fortunate that I do have some work lined up in January, though I’ll still be using the first full week to start pitching as well. I expect that it will take me that full week to return to speed, as I’m always a little slow after an extended break!
It means that I’m going to be taking a complete break until the start of January to enjoy some peace and quiet with family and friends, so nothing new from me for a short period. It’s been a challenging year for all of us, and we all need time to recuperate and refresh.
I’ll be back on the 3rd January with a little round-up of freelance writing opportunities for paid subscribers, plus the normal newsletter for all of you in the week following.
Until then, please enjoy a peaceful and restful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2025!
Source: How to enjoy the holidays as a freelancer
