I don’t know about you, but my boss is The Worst. She doesn’t give me any days unless I apply well in advance. I only get a sick day if I, literally, cannot get out of bed. I have to work late many evenings and am expected to show up to work by 8am at the latest.
Why do I put up with this? Well, because I am my own boss.
If you’re a freelancer and/or work for yourself it’s quite likely that you work really hard—quite possible much harder than your friends who work for other people. And, on top of that, you don’t get any sick days or holidays.
I know that sounds odd. If you work for yourself then you can take a day off whenever you want and your work schedule allows. But maybe you should consider giving yourself a number of sick days and holidays just like you would get if you worked for a company.
It is much too easy to completely forget about taking a holiday every now and then. And if you’re like me and a workaholic then you may not even want to. However, it’s extremely important that you do.
If you are a creative, you need to refill that creative well. And everyone needs some time away.
It’s a good thing to stand up and get away from your computer every half hour throughout the day, but that’s not what I’m talking about. And I’m not even referring to those days that you take off to just get some errands and the laundry done. I mean an honest-to-god holiday. Leaving your home and going someplace else either for a day or longer. Surround yourself with different scenery, different people, sights, sounds, and smells.
If you don’t actually have time to get out of the town or city where you live, go to a park. If you can go further afield, do so. And, hey, it’s summer! Go to the beach. Or hiking in the mountains. Or for a tour of a National Park. Or just to another city where you’ve never been before or where you haven’t been for a while. Go visit friends or relatives or go out and meet new people.
I’m sure you’re getting my point because it’s something that we all think about from time to time. Well, now is that time. Get going! What are you hanging around here for, get on the ‘net and start planning your get away.
And, yes, I am going to take my own advice and take a few weeks off to visit with my in-laws (my mother-in-law is turning 90 and we’re throwing her a party).