Why You Should Take Some Time Off

Did you find yourself working on Memorial Day? 

A federal holiday, Memorial Day is the official kickoff of summer and is dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving to protect our country.  Memorial Day is traditionally spent with loved ones, enjoying the freedoms afforded us by the sacrifices of others.

Were you in the office?

When you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, or virtual assistant, you can easily find yourself married to your business.  Your life and work are intertwined, especially if you are in the beginning stages of being self-employed. 

It is hard to “turn it off.” 

For most of us working remotely, the flexibility and ease of access to our work life from our home environment is awesome!  But it can also mean that you never truly leave work. Sure, you can go to the grocery at non-peak hours and can work until midnight if you choose.  No cleaning staff coming through with vacuums at 8pm!  But it can also mean that there is little separation between the times you are not working and times you are “on the clock.”

At Freedom Makers Virtual Services, we recommend taking time off when you can.  Getting the work-life balance right is essential.

But your definition of what “taking time off” actually is must be concrete, and deliberately defined. 

Our Freedom Makers Success Manager, Jenny Boyles, worked as a virtual assistant for years before moving onto the internal team at Freedom Makers Virtual Services.  In addition to being a 1099 freelance professional serving clients, Jenny also ran her own virtual assistant business.  She describes the evolution of her work-from-home life this way:

“When I started working, I had a desk and computer. It was stark, but I was up and running!  Now, I have a very comfy chair, a couple of computers and screens, nicer desk furniture and even a television in the office so I can watch the news if I wish. I created my office into a space with all of my favorite things and I honestly enjoy being in it. My office is by the front door of my home, so I can watch my teenage children come and go.  I like to think I do not miss a bit as a mother and a virtual assistant.  So I have dug for the past few years, day in and day out.  Pretty much every day, I entered that office to check on something or do some work.”

Turning work off is important for your mental health.  Your quality of life improves with balance, and it is critical that you find a way to give your full attention to the other priorities in your life, like family, friends, and hobbies.

Jenny recalls the first time in her career as a virtual assistant that she endeavored to turn work off:

“The first summer I chose to shut the doors to my office for more than hours at a time felt very strange.  I actually stopped working for some time off! Literally, I had to do the following to set the stage for NOT working:

• shut the office doors
• turned off the computer
• cleaned off my desk
• sent out calendar reminders to my clients
• set an email message stating that I am OUT OF THE OFFICE 

Since it had been 3 years, I was nervous to step away. Even if I spent a day on vacation with my family or out with them on a day trip, I had been in the practice of checking email in the early morning or late at night.  I would even take afternoons to get work done.  Do I regret it?  Not exactly; my business was growing and I was establishing myself. 

But that June, I did it!  Baby steps though, as it was just for 3 days. And wow!  I had a blast.  I thought for sure that I would sneak some work in, so I still brought my laptop.  But nope!  After the first day of not looking, I spent the other two enjoying my family.  I was refreshed and relaxed.

And when I returned, guess what? My clients were still there and the world had not ended. Yes, I had to do some more work the weekend prior and after, but it was worth it.  Those 3 days gave me a breather and when I returned I was ready to get back to work.” 

As a small business owner, or as a Freedom Maker virtual assistant who has chosen a career path that allows freedom and flexibility, it’s ironic to feel like you can’t take time off without detriment.  But as Jenny’s experience proves, the world will still spin, your clients or customers will understand and respect your decision, and you will feel refreshed and renewed. 

Taking time off is a win for everyone.

Of course, at Freedom Makers Virtual Services, we recommend communicating with everyone who could be affected by your absence, including coworkers, clients, and support staff, well in advance of your time off.  Make sure you set up some automated systems that can handle things that might come up, or contact us about bringing a virtual assistant on to cover down on your responsibilities while you are away. 

But then go and enjoy your time away from work!  As Jenny says,

“I highly recommend TAKING A DAY OFF for your sanity and for the benefit of your business.  You will return recharged – and the work will still be there!”