… or in my case sleeping, squirrels and sausages!
We all look forward to a well-earned rest, even me. But what if you’re self-employed? Can you ever really get away from it all? If you’re one of the UK’s 4.6 million self-employed people, can you really afford to take a break? Or will time away simply lead to loss of work? But what are the true value of holidays?
Self-employed people typically take just 14 days of holiday a year and one in eight take no days off at all. Research shows that most people who chose to become self-employed did so in the belief they will have a better work-life balance, but 27 per cent say they now work even longer hours.
Can I afford to take a break?
After taking months, even years, to build up a good reputation and solid client base, stepping away from the coal face can be tough. But by far the biggest issue is finance. For most freelancers, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. Taking a holiday also risks taking you out of the marketplace temporarily, so you could also lose out on future projects.
For that reason, it’s no surprise that a UK-based study shows one in four freelance workers take no annual holiday at all. Of those who do, 45% take their work with them. How many of you receive emails on holiday that start with ‘I know you’re on holiday but…’?
Why should I take a break?
Taking a holiday isn’t for everyone. Some are quite happy working 52 weeks a year. That’s fine – you’re self-employed, you can do what you want.
But equally the health benefits of a well-planned break are numerous – lower blood pressure, improved sleep, refreshed mind and reduced stress. The getaway may even give you a chance to reflect on your career, or how you wouldn’t be where you are today without your dog. No? Just a thought!!
If you want to find out how happy employees can help you become a destination employer, reduce recruitment costs and improve retention, give me or Mark a call on 07922 438445 or email mark@thatlittleagency.co.uk. We’d love to have a chat.
