As a business owner, vacation time can be a tricky thing to maneuver. However, taking a break from the office is an important part of staying motivated and productive, and with some careful planning both freelancers and business owners can take that much needed hiatus.
As my husband and I prepare to spend a week at the beach, this seemed an opportune time to discuss the pros and cons of leaving the office, as well as some tips on how to do so successfully. There is a reason that employers offer vacation time for their employees: a break from the daily grind does wonders in keeping workers from getting burnt out and resentful of the nine-to-five routine. For business owners there is often more flexibility in the day to day schedule, but planning to be away from your clients for an extended period of time is more difficult. The first step is to let clients know as far ahead as possible that you will be gone. There is no shame in taking a break and reasonable clients will certainly understand. If possible, let any clients that may be affected by your absence know about it as soon as you begin planning your trip. This way you can all make arrangements and schedule your work together accordingly.
Much like the daily life of a business owner, it is hard to truly “leave work behind” when you take a trip. So, prepare yourself ahead of time to be available to check your email and return any phone calls two or three times a week during your absence. Some crucial items may need to be dealt with, but most clients will be happy with a quick response and assurance that you will handle their work in a timely manner upon your return. Another key part of a successful vacation is an auto-reply ‘out of office’ email. Be sure to state the date of your return as well as a number or person to contact in case of ‘emergencies’, if it applies to your field.
For further words of wisdom to ensure a peaceful vacation for everyone, here are a few articles of interest.
‘How To Get The Vacation Time That You Sorely Need And Desperately Want‘ at Freelance Folder
‘How to Take a Vacation, Freelance Style‘ at Freelance Switch
‘A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Taking a Vacation‘ at About.com
‘Business Owners Need Vacation Too – Five Smart Strategies for Taking Time Off‘ at RingCentral Connect
So, go out there and plan your vacation the right way, and enjoy your deserved break with peace of mind.