Remember the saying, “time is money”? It starts making much more sense when you’re a freelance writer. This is especially true if you’re an early career freelance writer who hasn’t established passive income streams that generate regular income or stuck doing low paying work. The truth is, if you don’t submit work, you don’t have money coming in.
Unfortunately, according to CNBC, 92% of US freelancers say they can’t take a non-working vacation. This is according to a study conducted in 2019. Freelancers worry that they won’t make any money, will be replaced or may miss an important opportunity. These are all valid fears.
However, taking time off is essential for your health, and even though it’s hard, you have to do it. There’s more to life than work, even if you’re just starting out.
Here are some ways you can take time off as a freelance writer:
Choose your time wisely
When you’re choosing the days or weeks you’re taking off, choose them wisely.
For example, if you work with clients in North America, know what public holidays they observe. Chances are your clients won’t be working during these holidays, which may be good days to take off.
In addition to that, taking time off in December is usually easier than at the beginning of the year or in the fall.
According to Copywriter Collective, December is a good time to take time off because many people only work half the month, so businesses are often closed.
Another good month to take off is February. Copywriter Collective says both February and December are the quietest periods, according to their study. Even though their study is ten years old, I can personally attest that December is a great time to take off.
When is the quietest period for you? That may be the time to schedule some time away from the laptop.
Pick your vacation time in advance
If you pick your vacation time in advance, you won’t be scrambling last minute trying to finish up. In addition to that, your clients will appreciate the advance notice.
Decent clients won’t be upset that you’re taking time off, but anyone would be upset if you’re suddenly unresponsive.
Preserving your client relationships is extremely important as an early career freelancer.
Let them know exactly what time off means for you.
Will you respond to emails? Will they be able to schedule meetings during that time? It’s best to discuss expectations so that the relationship is preserved.
Batch content
Once you let your client know when you’re taking time off, they will usually provide you with a list of work they’ll need to be done by then. If they haven’t, ask them.
When you know what you have to do, carve out time to do the work. That way, your client has what they need while you’re away, and you’re not worried you’ll suddenly be replaced.
You can also batch your own content. Being a freelance writer often means posting on social media to build community and attract clients.
You can have a tool automatically post your tweets and your Facebook and Instagram posts. I recommend Later or Hootsuite. However, it’s perfectly fine to post that you’re on vacation; everyone will understand.
Check out my favourite free business tools here.
Take mini breaks
You may feel like taking a month off is impossible at this point in your career. That is a valid feeling. So, if you can’t take a whole month off, incorporate regular minibreaks.
For example, you could opt to take a long weekend from Thursday to Tuesday once a month or every two months. You can take weekends off or schedule a 4-day work week. Taking these mini breaks around the public holidays of your clients may be easier for you.
In addition to that, take time to decompress every single day. Eat lunch away from your computer as you catch up with your favorite Netflix show. Take regular walks. Hike. Go to the beach in the afternoon. There’s more to life than working, even if it doesn’t feel that way.
Take a look at your earnings
How a vacation or time off will affect your earnings is top of mind for every freelance writer, especially when they’re just starting out.
If you have more money coming in or saved up, you’ll be more equipped to take longer time off.
In addition, you’ll have the power to reject clients who don’t align with your writing or financial goals.
Besides cutting unnecessary expenses such as subscriptions, you don’t use, consider doing the following:
Raise your rates
This is easier said than done. However, freelancers typically don’t get paid time off. Therefore, they must factor in your vacation and sick days when setting your rates.
How do you know it’s time to change your rates? You’re not making enough money if you cannot take a week or two off work without your account being in the red.
If your current clients are resistant to a rate change, raise your rates for the next client or find other clients.
Yes, that means you may have to start looking for other clients.
Save for your time off
In addition to that, you can take a percentage of your monthly earnings and put them in a savings account.
That way, you’ll have money if you need to go on vacation (or lose a client).
Explore other income streams
You can also explore other income streams if you want to earn more. You can:
- Join the Medium Partner Program (check eligible countries)
- Do a part-time job like tutoring a couple of hours a week during the semester
- Sell an ebook or course
- Become an affiliate
- Create a podcast
- Start a YouTube channel
- Create a blog
Make no mistake; it takes a while to earn from new income streams, especially those requiring content creation. However, you can explore them as you advance in your career.
Takeaways
Every freelance writer deserves to take time off, regardless of where they are in their career. However, if you’re an early career freelance writer, you may find it difficult to take real time off because you’re worried about money. Planning ahead, taking mini vacations, and increasing your earnings will make taking time off much easier.
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