Freelancer's Guide to Enjoy the Holidays

One of the things that prompted me to go for a career change and become a freelance writer was the fact that I did not want to spend the holidays at work.  Nothing can be more frustrating and depressing than knowing that your family is celebrating Christmas and New Year, while you are stuck at the office.

So imagine my frustration when I found myself spending most of the time during my first Christmas and New Year as a freelancer working.

I made a decision to make sure that that would never happen again.  After all, working from home as a freelancer means that you are able to set your schedule and work at your own time and pace.  But how do you balance the demands of your job as a freelancer and obligations to your family?  Here are a few things I have tried out that have proven to be very helpful in achieving that.

Set a Deadline. Set a cut off date not just to finish all of your outstanding work, but also accepting new work from your clients.  In my case, my cut-off dates are December 23 for outstanding work, and December 16 to accept new work.  That way, I am free from thinking about work continuously whether I am in a reunion with friends or at home preparing for Christmas dinner with my family.

Inform Your Clients. It is important to make sure that you notify your clients well in advance of your cut-off deadlines for finishing outstanding work that has been given to you to accomplish.  Advise them also the soonest date that you will be able to send additional completed work for them in the event that you are not able to have everything done by your cut-off date.  You'll be surprised just how understanding they could be when it comes to these things.

Use Your Email's Vacation Responder. Let's face it!  Sometimes, clients would need to be reminded that you are currently on leave from work because of the holidays.  If you are unable to check your email while you are on vacation, make it a point to set your email's vacation responder on with a brief message stating the dates that you are on vacation, and when you will be back to resume working.  That way, your clients will not begin to wonder why you haven't responded to any of the emails that they have sent you during this time.

Invest in a Laptop. My laptop has become one of my "best friends" ever since I became a freelance writer.  It allows you to still squeeze in a bit of work, especially in the mornings when everyone is still asleep.  This will allow you to lessen the amount of work you will need to finish, and meet your promised deadlines to your clients when you come back from your vacation.

Focus on the Priceless Memories. The challenge faced by  freelancers when it comes to the holidays boils down to the fact that if we don't work, we don't get paid.  Sometimes, it can be hard not to think of work and the earnings that you are losing by going on vacation.  But at the end of the day, the fond memories that you have with family and friends during this festive season are timeless, and priceless.  You can always earn back the money you may have lost while on vacation.  After all, it only happens once every year.