How I Prep to Take Time Off (Without Letting Clients Down)
One of the biggest myths about freelancing is that you can’t ever really take time off.
Because if you do, everything will fall apart.
Client work will pile up.
Emails will go unanswered.
You’ll lose momentum — or worse, lose a client.
I used to believe that too.
But over time, I’ve learned how to take time off as a freelancer without letting clients down, or burning myself out trying to “earn the rest.”
It takes planning. It takes boundaries. And most importantly — it takes trust.
1. I plan for rest like I plan for work
Time off isn’t just something I squeeze in when things are quiet.
It’s something I book into my calendar on purpose.
Whether it’s a long weekend, a few days off around a holiday, or a proper break — I give myself as much notice as I can. Then I treat it like any other deadline: I plan backwards.
Because here’s the truth: if you don’t plan for it, it won’t happen.
2. I let my clients know early (and clearly)
The key to a calm break is managing expectations.
I let my clients know in advance:
- What dates I’ll be away
- When I’ll be back
- What I need from them beforehand (if anything)
- What I will and won’t be doing while I’m off
That way, they can relax too — and we both avoid last-minute panic.
3. I don’t try to cram everything in before I go
This one took me a while to learn.
Trying to get a week ahead on every single thing before a break often left me more stressed than if I hadn’t taken time off at all.
Now I ask:
- What really needs to be done before I go?
- What can wait until I’m back?
- What can I delegate, automate, or reschedule?
Taking time off as a freelancer isn’t about doing twice the work in half the time — it’s about protecting your capacity on both sides.
4. I use systems to keep things moving
Where possible, I set things up to keep running while I’m away.
That might look like:
- Pre-scheduled social media posts
- Out-of-office messages with key info
- Checklists for what’s done vs. what’s pending
- Shared client docs so they don’t need me to “find the thing”
I want my clients to feel supported even when I’m not available. Systems make that possible.
5. I actually disconnect
This is the hardest — and the most important.
When I take time off, I log out of work tools. I turn off notifications, delete Instagram off my home screen. I give myself permission to stop checking.
Because if I don’t mentally switch off, I’m not really resting — I’m just worrying in a different room.
And I come back better when I’ve actually rested.
Final Thoughts
Taking time off as a freelancer isn’t irresponsible — it’s essential.
It keeps your work sustainable. It builds trust with your clients. And it helps you return with energy, clarity, and care.
If you’ve been scared to take a break because you think everything will fall apart — I promise, it won’t.
Plan well. Communicate clearly. And then close the laptop.
You deserve rest — and your business can handle it.
— Izzy
Written in partnership with ChatGPT
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