All successful freelancers that are into online business for years or even decades know that preparing for a vacation requires some planning and organization ahead. No, you cannot just disappear and set your online availability to absent. You must ensure that your work does not suffer while you are away.
Before we start explaining what freelancers must do before going on that well-deserved vacation, let’s remind ourselves what happens if you never take a vacation as a freelancer.
As you’ve probably heard already, people who work on weekends, and who constantly multitask, which freelancers do all the time, are more prone to experiencing burnout syndrome. Of course, you don’t want to be that person, so collect some of the best tips for getting ready to go on a vacation as a freelancer.
Your vacation must be planned in advance.
In one of our previous articles, we have already shared some of the best advice when it comes to becoming successful in the freelance world. Of course, everything requires planning ahead. As a freelancer, you already own the freedom to plan your own life, but when it comes to vacation, be sure that you plan it at least two months ahead, so you have enough time to complete everything needed – both professional and personal. Here we come to the next tip you must follow.
Inform your clients on time, so your project and gigs don’t suffer.
Successful freelancers who know how to keep amazing relationships with their long-term clients are always well aware of their huge importance in clients’ projects. Be sure that you inform all your clients about being absent. Ask if there is something you can do for them ahead. So far, you’ve probably got familiar with the dates when they need you. They’ll be happy to hear that you care about their project and are willing to complete everything before you go on your freelance vacation.
Prioritize completing important tasks and bigger projects.
We don’t say that you have to work 24/7 before going on that well-deserved vacation, but what we say is that you should definitely forget about procrastinating. Prioritize completing all those challenging tasks that are waiting for you. Focus on important projects.
What to do if someone has to replace you for a while?
Sometimes, there’s no chance to stop working on some of your projects. If that is your case, you can start searching for a reliable person that will be capable to complete simple and repetitive tasks while you’re away. Be sure that it’s a person of trust and someone who has at least some knowledge in the field of the tasks you do. Teaming up with other experienced freelancers is a great idea, but know that you will probably have to give them something in advance, or maybe you’ll be the one who will replace them when they go on vacation.
Working in a freelance team.
Maybe you’re now working in a freelance team. A month before you’re away, be sure that you’ve clearly told everyone about your expectations. This is especially important if you’re the one who is leading a remote team. Repeat the same advice we gave you at the beginning of this article – plan ahead, and try your best to create a clear plan everyone can follow.
Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine
Think about automating things and tasks.
Maybe you can set up some automated systems to continue working on the things that matter to you or cannot be stopped when you’re away. We think about setting automated email replies or some other automated scheduling tools, for example for social media posts and digital marketing. This will keep not only your clients informed while you’re away, but also your fans and users updated.
*Once you’ve prepared everything for your freelance leave, be sure that you complete all those tasks related to housing and personal life too. If you have some uncompleted obligations, focus on completing them before you go on vacation, so you won’t worry about it the entire time. This way, your old obligations won’t wait for you when you come back. You’ll higher your chances of getting a true rest.
Forget about notifications.
Once you’re on your vacation, please stay away from all those notifications so you can finally take that well-deserved rest. Some freelancers say that they still work on vacations from their phones, but we definitely don’t recommend that. You’re offline now, it’s time to recharge your batteries. Enjoy nature, focuses on physical activity, and get some new and amazing memories. You’ll be surprised how much this will inspire you to work better once you come home. People who regularly take breaks and go on vacations have have higher creativitiy levels and 100% better focus. Besides that, once you’re away, far from your home office, you may get some new and amazing ideas you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Focus on yourself.
It’s time to focus on yourself and truly rest from all those multitasking freelance obligations. When we talk about successful freelancers, we always talk about those who have learned how to manage their business and personal life. You cannot be a successful online worker if you’re not good at balancing free and work time. Be sure that your boundaries are always set strong. Learn how to rest, stay away from the work, and enjoy yourself. It’s time to spend your vacation with beloved people and get those eyes well rest. Trust us, your body and mind will be very thankful to you.
Conclusion
Preparing for a freelance vacation definitely requires planning in advance. After you’ve made a plan of finishing all those tasks that are waiting, then you switch to the part where you inform your clients and your team about being absent. Prioritize completing all important tasks and big projects, and don’t forget to find a substitution for your tasks if your job cannot be stopped.
Once you’ve reached your freelance vacation destination, be sure that you really recharge your batteries – keep your phone, tablet, and laptop away and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
Want more information related to going on a vacation as a freelancer? Be sure that you read this article as well.
