Even Freelancers Need Vacations ~ Work for Yourself

You work hard. Of course, you've got bills to pay and the repo man doesn't take excuses *wink*.

However, it's important that you take a step back from client projects, emails, etc. and take some time out for you. After all, if you get burned out or aren't in the right frame of mind while working, that can be a productivity killer. And before you ask - no, a vacation doesn't involve checking your email at ANY point - even at night after everyone else has gone to sleep.

A little over a year ago, Freelance Folder (one of my favorite freelancing blogs -- other than this one) discussed freelancer burnout, the warning signs, and how to cope. Ultimately, this is related to not taking vacations when you should. The worst part is, you may not see any direct signs of burnout. You may be able to work on client projects just fine, and you may even be pleased to talk to clients. However, you get easily distracted from your work. You find yourself putting client work on hold to play games on Facebook, read gossip sites (I know I'm not the only one), etc. This is not healthy behavior for you or your business. It's better to let your clients know you are taking a few days off (in advance, of course) than to get burned out and create an end product of questionable quality. Here are a few other "less obvious" signs of freelancer burnout (taken from the Freelance Folder site):

Being afraid to say "no" to your client when they offer you a new project - sometimes it's best to say "no". Don't overwhelm yourself with projects just because you want to be a "superstar".
Thinking about work when you should be doing other things - don't check your email when you should be enjoying dinner with your spouse, family, friends, etc.
Your work is causing relationship problems - no work is EVER worth hurting or distancing yourself from someone you care about (unless that person doesn't respect your business). That's very important. I will quote Suze Orman on this: "People first. Then money. Then things." Your priorities should be in that order. Of course, as freelancers, we want to please the client, but that should never come at the expense of someone you care about personally.

So, go ahead and plan that mini-vacay (or a full vacay if that works for you), let your clients know in advance, and don't check your email or work on anything for your client while you're gone.

When you get back, let me know if you were able to maintain your self-control (something I'm still working on) and if so, please share pictures :-).