It’s definitely a lifestyle decision to be a freelancer. You’re trying as much as possible to have your future in your own hands, but the reality of it is unfortunately that your future (and your today) is firmly in the hands of your clients. Unless of course you speak up.
First things first
Let’s not overlook the fact that many of the people who are hiring us don’t live (a) in our time zone and/or (b) in the same country as we live in. They also may have different beliefs in terms of what holiday’s they find important as well meaning they don’t necessarily understand when we want to take time off.
Be proactive – make sure at the beginning of any month that you plan to take a holiday off (or partially off) that you let your clients know that. If you’re taking off half days, full days or even just a couple of hours make sure you make it clear.
New Assignments/Holidays - one of the biggest challenges of the holidays is that they don’t typically stunt our need to apply for new assignments. Let’s face it, the bottom line is that once the holiday is over, you’re going to want to make sure you have assignments ready to jump right on. If in fact you have open bids on new jobs and you should get hired just before you’re planning to take time off for a holiday, let the buyer know about it. Don’t be shy! Remember something: If you don’t tell the buyer there’s an issue, then they are not going to know – like you and I they left their mind-reading gear in their other suits.
Don’t find yourself working through a holiday just because you agreed to take on an assignment (even if you feel the assignment is important to your future freelancing).
Take a stand and be true to your own needs. You’ll be a much happier freelancer if you take control where you can be in control.
Happy Freelancing
About Doreen Martel
Well-rounded freelance writer who contributes to various blogs, paid to write sites and revenue sharing sites. Doreen is legally blind and has worked at home for more than 10 years. She uses the lessons learned from this experience to enhance her writing and share information with others.
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