Freelancing and Holidays

~~Whoooosh~~

Did you see that tumbleweed go flying past?

My, but it's quiet round these parts just now (apart from the kids who keep bugging me for ice cream).  Anyone would think it was holiday season.

Taking a holiday isn't always the joyfest it should be when you're a freelancer, because when you don't work, you don't get paid.  Though for some people, the traditional holiday season can be a source of opportunity.  As staff workers go on holiday, in steps trusty freelancer to pick up the slack.  So if you're looking to get into an organisation via casual shifts, this is a most excellent time of year to do it.

But if you are taking a holiday, make it a proper one.  This means

• No taking your laptop away with you.  It won't get lonely without you.  Extra points if you can stay away from it long enough to get dust on the lid
• No Blackberry either.  Unless you want your family to hate you, in which case, keep tapping.
• Have a cut off point for work and stick to it.
• Say no to work that comes in after your cut off point.  You may weep slightly, but you'll be glad you said no.  Unless of course....
• The work that comes in happens to be the bestest job ever.  Changing your mind is a freelancer's privilege.

Comments

[Tracey]

Hi Joanne

Soooo true.

Actually booking the holiday in the first instance is a feat. Haven't managed to do so yet. Sometimes, freelancers get so caught up in work commitments so far in advance, that it's a case of "Ooops! Forgot the holiday," later on.

Hands up. Guilty as charged.

Perhaps I'll get one when everyone returns to work.

Heck, I might just give myself a whole week off!