When do freelancers take vacations?

Lynne Level 1

September 8, 2016, 1:44 pm

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Everyone needs to take some time off every now and then and yes I totally understand that most freelancers never truly stop working completely. I work for myself and I am always connected and keeping an eye on my online business.

However I do take a bit of time off every now and then yes I bring my laptop with me but I do take time off.

When do you like to take some time off? Are you like me and like to take a couple of days off when my kids are on school holidays and over Christmas and Easter for example?

Or do you wait for a time that maybe your business is quiet so you can afford to take a little bit of time off?

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hitmeasap

I haven't had a break or a real vacation for almost 5 years. Seriously. - Sure, I've had several days during this time when I've been "offline" for the most of the time or not "reachable" for some people, but I'm always, every single day, doing something work-related. Last year, on Christmas, I sat in front of my computer working on stuff for a few hours. The year before too. During weekends or any other holiday, I'm doing work related things. - It's just who I am.

Unfortunately, I've been experiencing sad things lately, mostly due to my stress and panic anxiety. Everything has been worse.. And that's the reason I'm not as available nowadays as I where a few weeks ago.. But I'm still here. Lurking around.. Because I can't stop.

10 years ago

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Lynne

Andre I am truly to hear that you have been going through such a sad and stressful time

I hope that after you have taken some time off you will bounce back stronger than before.

10 years ago

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Everett

Well, as a freelancer and one who makes a living online, I can say that I get no vacations. However, if I were to take a vacation I could always bring work with me, as long as the hotel or where ever I am staying has access to the internet.. preferably wifi. In fact, I'm going to Florida nearing the end of October for Halloween. I was invited by some friends. Perhaps you could consider this a vacation? But with vacations you don't work right? I will be working regardless if I am on vacation or not. If I wasn't working I wouldn't be able to pay for my rent, or save up for a car and other expenses.

10 years ago

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Lynne

Yes Everett, that is exactly it, when someone says vacation it implies not working If you are going on vacation leave it means you are not working during that time, it doesn't necessarily mean you are going away LOL.

For us that work online I think we hear vacation and understand it as going away... with our laptops.

10 years ago

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Cristian

I'm planning to take some time off this week, from Wednesday until next Monday I'll be gone, so don't email me!
Just kidding, I'm far too addicted to not respond to my emails from more than 24 hours.

But I'll do take some time off from it all, from my day job, from my freelance work and clients, I'm gonna have myself a few days of quite and relaxation.

Overall free time and relaxation are essential in my opinion, everybody is going to crash at one point, its just a matter of how time and how much and hard you work yourself!
So don't forget to have a little time for yourself and love ones once in a while.

10 years ago

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Lynne

I thought Geez that is a long holiday for a freelancer! LOL

I agree with you that free time is essential to your work and your overall well being. Every now and then I crash and I have to rest. Not the best way to manage things I guess but I am very in tune with my body and my mental state. I know when I have had enough and I need to take a break... or I will be forced to take a break.

10 years ago

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EliteWriter

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy - we all need to rest, Now, resting varies from one person to another. To me it does not have to be going on a weekend break or vacation. Resting by just spending a day free from writing and enjoy going for a stroll, watching a movie or playing, is enough for me. I would still keep an eye on emails and notifications as they still come directly to my phone, but I will only answer messages, not write articles.

10 years ago

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Lynne

Yes I agree with you there EliteWriter, I find sometimes I get so sucked into my work and I think that if I keep working I will get more done but that is not always the case. Taking a break from working full steam for a day or two every now and then can really revitalize me and then when I start working again I am full of new ideas and renewed energy.

10 years ago

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overcast

I think vacation in Indonesia, Philippines is lot better. As they have better internet connections. Other part in the world may not be the case. For example, Africa being one such place where you may not be able to have a good internet. So that is one reason I think many people are not much prefer to go into countries where there is not much internet. Most of the freelancers want internet for things to keep track of.

9 years ago

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PinkTurtle

I get what you are saying. Vacation doesn't mean forgetting about the job. Means you are going to relax and clear your mind for a little while in some place else. I generally go to the beach. I'm a beach over the mountain kind of person. I love how calm and relaxing it can be. I take my pc with me but that doesn't mean I'm not going to have a good time. It's just a matter of managing the time well and get use to it.

9 years ago

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Corzhens

Last weekend, we were invited by my sister for an overnight stay in a classy beach resort. My laptop is heavy and bulky so I brought along a tablet. At least it would not be obvious that I would be working. During slack periods in the beach, I would work a bit. That is one thing good in our job, we can do it almost anywhere as long as there is internet access.

9 years ago

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Barida

I just began working as a freelancer, but I understand the need for vacations a freelancer. I'm planning to take a vacation in the next two months to get better.

9 years ago

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