This is one of the hardest times of the year here in Ontario. In January, you know it’s going to be very cold, and probably very snowy, and though you probably don’t like it, you’re prepared for it. By now, it feels like it’s been winter forever, and warm days can easily be followed by yet another snowstorm. And even though spring is officially only 10 days away, it will probably be at least a month or two before we see really great weather. It kind of makes you long for a vacation…
Those of us who are self-employed have a nasty habit of not taking vacations. Unlike our friends in traditional jobs, our pay doesn’t keep coming in while we’re off having fun! However, we need that break just as much as they do – maybe more, in some cases.
In a blog post last month, Joseph Ratliff outlined 5 Good Reasons a Self-Employed Professional Should Take Vacation. He didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know, but it was a good reminder of the importance of taking time off, and I bookmarked it for future reference.
This week, Alex Fayle wrote a brilliant piece on a similar subject, called Is Your Life a Runaway Train? If there’s any doubt in your mind that you need a break, this is a must read!
Maybe you’re already convinced that you need and deserve a vacation. Maybe you’re not worried about the loss of income. Maybe you think that the world will come to a crashing halt if you’re not around to run your business. It doesn’t have to!
I’m just as guilty as the next person, as I’ve only taken one real vacation since I started my business, but that experience was enough to show me that with proper planning, you will barely be missed. It’s shocking, but true! Here’s how I managed it.
- I notified my active clients of the dates I would be away, and gave them the contact info for another virtual assistant who could assist them if anything urgent came up during my absence.
- I changed my voicemail greeting to state that I was away until such-and-such-a-date, and left the number of the VA so they could call her if they required assistance before that time.
- I set up an autoreply on my email with a similar message.
- I provided the VA with the information she would need, including alternate contacts in the event she wasn’t able to help someone, and how to reach me in case of an emergency.
Knowing that everything was taken care of, I was able to relax and truly enjoy my time away, and I’m looking forward to doing it again. If fear of leaving your business is keeping you from taking a needed break, talk to your virtual assistant. And if you don’t yet have a VA, talk to me – if I can’t help you, I’ll be happy to connect you with someone who can.
Bon voyage!
Photo courtesy of Uncle Ariel
I took your advice, Janet. I’m in Denver for a few days, then heading to Albuquerque for a few days, and then to Phoenix to see a few baseball games. Unfortunately, I brought the cold and snow with me to Denver
And, as you can tell, I’m still checking my email and RSS feeds – yes, I’m addicted. BUT I’m not doing any actual work for two whole weeks!
When’s YOUR next vacation?
Melodee, you lucky thing – I was thinking of you while writing this post! Enjoy your time off – at least there won’t be snow in Phoenix!
Hey Janet,
I’m in Mississauga and the wind is blowing and it’s below freezing again. I know what you mean, it’s very difficult getting away especially when you’re a one person shop. Sometimes even a 2 or 3 day break is good for the soul.
I think the important message is “the world won’t end” – I figure if a doctor can take a holiday – and sometimes it is a matter of life or death with them – a self employed person can.
Luca, that’s a good point – we don’t always have to take a week or two off to reap the benefits of a break. We don’t even have to go away (although it sure helps) as long as we stop working and spend time doing things we wouldn’t normally do.
Alex, that is a perfect example. Not too many of us do work that is as important of that of a doctor, yet even doctors take vacations. I heard about someone buying a BlackBerry specifically because they were going on vacation and wanted to be available to their clients, and I was shocked. (But then again, maybe they really wanted a BlackBerry, and this was how they justified the purchase!)
Oh my gosh, this is so me. I barely take my weekends, never mind a vacation. I schedule them in though, and usually make sure they involve train or plane tickets or a car rental or SOMETHING that binds me to the commitment. I’m so bad at the weekends. I make grand plans to go to a museum or art gallery or movie, then the time arrives and I think “uuuh I should use this time to get some useful work done.” Thanks for reminding me – I need a balance!
I’m the same way, Monica! If I make plans that involve tickets and/or another person, I will keep them, but if I think I might drop by a community event, it is VERY unlikely to happen, because I ALWAYS have something to do that seems more important.