It can be very stressful to take a holiday when you’re self-employed. Largely because the business is your thing and, effectively, you are you business.
On top of that, it’s difficult to avoid the feeling that you’re missing out or that your clients will replace you.
But it doesn’t have to be that way if you work things out properly.
So, here’s how to make it easier to take a holiday when you’re self-employed:
I often find it interesting that everybody expects everybody else to take a holiday but self-employed people struggle with it. And I suspect it’s because of FOMO (fear of missing out) that plays a large part in this.
It’s the feeling that the business will grind to a halt (or your customers will leave you) if you’re not there to answer calls and emails.
In comparison, people who have jobs don’t tend to have this problem. Their work is often picked up by someone else in the business while they’re away.
So, what can you do to help make your holiday into a relaxing time and not a total stress?
Well, there are 3 key things:
- Let all of your clients/customers know that you’re going away
Nobody will be surprised that you’re going on holiday. Just make sure you communicate it clearly, so that you’re not pestered with unnecessary stuff. - Get someone else to answer the phone
Using a call divert/forwarding system and only have them contact you if it really really needs tackling (it usually doesn’t). There are loads of call answering services and they don’t have to be expensive either.
Quick tip : in my web design business I made sure that only a few key clients had my mobile number. Everyone else had the landline. This makes it easier to manage. - Get a Virtual Assistant (VA) to manage your emails and your social media
This one takes a bit of working out, since you’ll have to give clear instruction on how things are to be managed. But most experienced VA’s will be familiar with this stuff so will understand what you’re aiming at.
OK, sounds easy but it’s not.
While you’re on holiday you have to resist the temptation to check in all the time (especially the social media) and just trust that your people will take care of things.
It’ll cost you some money but, when you get the hang of this, it’ll be worth every penny because you’ll be able to go away without worrying about what you’re missing.
You’ll be able to actually take a holiday and relax, which is what a holiday is meant to be.
Want more help on taking a holiday when you’re self-employed
Check out : How a holiday can be bad for your waistline but good for your business