Yes, You Can Take Vacation as a Freelancer

Publication Date

July 5, 2024

Summary

Here’s my step-by-step method for planning a real break as a freelancer—plus tips from other freelancers who’ve made it work.

🗓️ Step 1: Schedule Your Time Off

Start by deciding exactly which days you want to take off. Block them off in your calendar now.

Whether it’s a 3-day weekend or a 2-week international adventure, treat your time off like a real commitment. Because it is.

🧾 Step 2: Audit Your Projects

Make a list of:

All your current clients
Upcoming deliverables
Key deadlines

This will help you anticipate what needs to get done (or delegated) before you step away—and prevent last-minute scrambling.

📋 Step 3: Create a Plan of Action

For each client or project, figure out:

What needs to be done before you leave
What can wait until after you return
What (if anything) you’ll be available for during your time off

Then, build this into your schedule leading up to the break. Be realistic—and pad your timeline with buffer days for the unexpected.

📣 Step 4: Communicate with Clients

Give clients at least 2 weeks' notice when you’re planning time off—especially if you’re on retainer or involved in long-term projects.

You don’t need to ask for permission (you’re the boss!), but you do want to be proactive and professional.

💌 Use this simple email template:

Hi [Client],
I wanted to give you a heads-up that I’ll be offline from [start date] to [end date].
To make sure everything stays on track, I’ll [insert your plan: e.g., submit everything early, adjust our delivery timeline, or resume when I return].
Let me know if you have any questions!
Best,
[Your Name]

Also: send a quick reminder email the week before your time off, just in case it slipped their mind.

📆 Step 5: Add Your Plan to Your Calendar

Once you’ve finalized your timeline, add everything to your calendar or work tracker:

Deadlines before you leave
Prep days
Return-to-work ramp-up days

This helps prevent over scheduling and gives you peace of mind going into your break.

✨ Freelancer Tips for Taking Vacation

I asked freelancers on Threads and LinkedIn how they prep for time off. Here’s what they had to say:

Plan ahead: Schedule vacations regularly to prevent burnout.
Give notice: Let clients know at least 2 weeks in advance.
Send reminders: Follow up 1 week before your break starts.
Don’t ask permission: You’re the boss. You’re allowed to rest.
Leave room for rest: For every 4 days off, include 1 full rest day.
Ditch the laptop: If you’re serious about disconnecting, leave work behind.

🧠 FAQ: Taking Time Off as a Freelancer

Do I need to tell my clients I’m taking time off?

Yes, but not because you need permission. It’s about respect, trust, and ensuring smooth workflows while you’re away.

How much notice should I give?

At least 2 weeks for active clients. Send a reminder email 1 week before.

What if I have deadlines during my break?

Reschedule or complete them early. Communicate clearly and give options when possible.

Can I take time off if I don’t have a team or backup?

Yes. You just need to plan ahead and be transparent. Most clients are more than willing to work around your vacation if you give them notice.

What if I’m scared I’ll lose clients?

Good clients respect boundaries. If someone can’t handle you taking 5 days off, they’re probably not a sustainable fit long-term.

Looking for something else?

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Yes, You Can Take Vacation as a Freelancer—Here’s How