As a self-employed writer, I have a really hard time setting aside time for vacations and taking scheduled days off. I wind up working most weekends, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, and as a result I take a very few true days off.
I think this is the case for many people who own their own businesses. While many people extol the virtues of being your own boss, in truth I think it’s actually harder to take time off when you are your own boss, for the simple fact that there’s no one in charge of the business while you are gone.
But the simple fact is that taking time off and enjoying yourself actually recharges your passion and improves your work performance. So I’m trying to remember these days to schedule days off, and even vacations when possible.
For instance, in March we took a trip to Haworth, England — and I made sure NOT to bring my work with me. The experience was so incredibly liberating. We’re talking about doing something similar next year — perhaps staying at a Fiji island resort spa so we can do some diving and similar stuff.
My point is, no matter how important your business is to you or how much you love your work, it’s also important to take a vacation and give yourself some time off now and then. It’s good for your business… and your soul!
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