Preparing For Your Summer Holiday as a Freelancer

As a child, you would sit longingly on that last day of school, daydreaming though any activity set; listening to every tick of the clock until that final school bell chimed. That was it, freedom.

Running through the school gates and skipping home you knew there was 6 whole weeks of summer holidays for you to enjoy. The experience that we cherished so much as children probably feels a little different now. Especially for those of us that are freelancers or small business owners.

Working for yourself ultimately means every minute counts, as every minute is money. But with potentially 6 weeks of childcare to find, the cost of a holiday and potentially turning down work, you can find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed rather than overjoyed during those summer months.

However, everyone must take a break to recharge their batteries; especially you freelancers. Putting down your tools and leaving home for a few hours to undertake one of your favourite pastimes is integral to your sanity and the success of your business. A holiday or a small weekend away can leave you feeling re-vitalised and refreshed ready to tackle new challenges ahead.  By preparing your workload in advance you can be sure that you have the opportunity to enjoy your break, get some much-needed rest and relax with your friends or family.

Make a plan

With no one to pick up the slack on the other end, holidaying can become a bit of a dread as a freelancer. Without a proper plan in place you could return to chaos and find yourself chasing your tail to complete projects or having to turn down work. If you have the opportunity a month before your trip prepare yourself a schedule. This will allow you to set out all of your tasks and create a time frame of when the work can be completed. Dividing up your projects into levels of urgency will allow you to identify those jobs that must be done before you leave and those that can wait until your return.

Who can help?

Outsourcing work amongst fellow freelancers is now very common. By building a trusted network around you it will enable you to pass on any work you may not have time to complete. Focus some attention on building this community as it could take a while to find the team right for you.  By leaving your clients in another freelancers’ capable hands you don’t have to worry when you decide to have a holiday. Another benefit of outsourcing to a reliable group often means it is reciprocated in some way further down the line when they also need a little ‘me time’.

Enjoy yourself

Having a holiday does not make you a bad person, it is ok to take a break. Before your travels come to terms with the possibility of missing out on work, unless it’s a life changing opportunity see if the gig can wait until your return. Communicating with your clients before your trip and explaining you will be away for a number of days gives them the opportunity to ask any questions before your departure.

Although you will more than likely be contactable during your holiday, try to avoid the “I’m going on holiday but don’t worry you can reach me anytime” mistake. You aren’t moving your office to a warmer climate, you are going to enjoy yourself and take a break; try your best to leave work at home.

Returning to Work

Time means money in the freelance world and when you have just spent 2 weeks on a beach sunning yourself it is inevitable you will miss out. By preparing work for your first week back ahead of time you can be sure you will have work to return to; allowing you not to be completely out of pocket.  Savings are also important if you do plan on a holiday that is longer than a week. It would be wise to start saving not just for your break but to put expenses to the side that will allow you to live off more than baked beans when you return.

Protect yourself

No, I don’t just mean SPF 50. Whether you grab your bike and go for a breather in the Countryside or you are a little more adventurous and hiking mountains is your thing. Have you thought about what would happen if you had an accident; an accident that meant you couldn’t work when you returned home? No? now is the time. It’s worth protecting yourself with insurance and taking the time to find the right policy for you.

We can help here; for as little as £36.44 a year our Personal Accident policy will give you the peace of mind that in the event of an accident your business won’t come crumbling down. You will also have the added security of much needed financial support to keep you on track until you can get back on your feet.

Something else to consider is your travel insurance. Usually left until the last minute, you won’t have to worry about blind panicking and buying it at the airport. Our travel insurance can be included in your Personal Accident policy, this additional extra will also automatically cover your spouse and dependent children free of charge.

The perks of this cover don’t end there, so don’t leave just yet. We’ve also included your medical expenses cover and cancellation cover in your travel package. So, you don’t need to worry about losing out if that delayed sign hits the screen, or your bag doesn’t turn up. All you need to remember is that SPF, a good book and enjoying yourself.

Happy Holiday!

If you would like to discuss any element of Personal Accident and Travel cover, or would like a quotation, take a look here. Or alternatively, call us on 0333 321 1403, email schemes@caunceohara.co.uk or click the link below to get your quote.

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