As a business owner, taking time away can be challenging. I’ve recently been on a break myself, and it got me thinking about how difficult it is to disconnect from work truly. The reality of stepping away often brings up concerns about missed opportunities, revenue loss, and keeping clients happy. Yet, it’s undeniable that taking a break can be one of the best things you can do for both yourself and your business.
In this blog, I’ll share some insights into the struggles of taking time off, the positive impact of a well-deserved break, and tips to help make it work. Whether it’s the struggle to switch off, financial worries, or managing clients’ expectations, some strategies can make your time away genuinely refreshing—leaving you energised, more focused, and ready to tackle your goals when you return.
The Struggle of Switching Off
When you're dedicated to your business, switching off can be tough, I certainly struggle to do this! As a business owner, you’re used to being accessible to clients and managing the day-to-day demands of operations. This sense of constant responsibility can create a "never-off" mindset, making the idea of a break feel daunting. While the urge to check emails or respond to messages can be strong, learning to trust that your business can manage without you for a brief period is essential.
Tip: Set a clear boundary for yourself. Whether that’s through checking emails only once a day or letting clients know you’ll be offline, give yourself the freedom to recharge fully. I set up as many automated responses as possible so whether my clients call, message or email, I know they have been acknowledged and they know when to expect a reply.
Facing the Reality of Missed Earnings
One of the most challenging aspects of taking a break, especially as a sole practitioner, is the potential impact on revenue. For many small business owners, time away from work directly correlates to a halt in income. This can create guilt or anxiety, especially if your business doesn’t have passive income streams in place.
Tip: Planning for time off financially can make the process easier. Consider setting aside a portion of your earnings in the months leading up to your break. This buffer can ease financial concerns, allowing you to step away with peace of mind.
Returning to Avoid Overwhelm
On the other side of lost revenue, if you receive monthly retainer payments you continue to generate income but, your workload will be waiting for you when you return along with everything else. The feeling of having to "catch up" can turn a well-deserved break into a source of stress the moment you return. Without a plan, that first day back can be overwhelming, leading to a quick reversal of the benefits gained from time away.
Tip: Ease back into work. Schedule a lighter workload in your first few days to avoid overwhelming yourself. Prioritise urgent tasks, and remember that it’s okay if some things take time to catch up on. Plan your post-trip workload, having a plan will help you relax.
Setting Client Expectations
For many business owners, the guilt of stepping away often stems from concern about clients’ expectations. However, proactive communication can help mitigate this worry. Letting clients know about your upcoming break and managing their expectations for response times can go a long way toward making your time off worry-free. I always panic about not responding to clients immediately, however, the majority have no issue waiting when I am away. In all honesty, I may be thinking about how long it will take me to reply but I doubt they are sitting refreshing their emails waiting for my response to drop!
Tip: Draft a pre-break communication plan to inform your clients. Set an automatic email response with your return date and let clients know of any support options they can rely on in your absence. By setting these expectations in advance, you’ll likely find your clients respect your boundaries. I use an app that auto responds to texts, Whatsapp and Facebook messages.
Overcoming the Pain Points: Stress, Guilt, and Being Present
Time away from your business should be refreshing, but stress and guilt can often creep in, especially if you feel you're not being present for family or friends during your break. Remind yourself that taking a break isn’t just a personal indulgence; it’s an investment in your long-term productivity, mental health, and happiness.
Tip: Practice being fully present by keeping your work phone away during family activities and setting boundaries around “work talk” during social time. Embrace the fact that, just like anyone else, you deserve time to recharge. But, don't beat yourself up if you do have to respond to the odd email or complete an urgent task.
The Productivity Boost from Taking a Break
Studies and anecdotal evidence alike show that regular breaks increase productivity. Time away allows you to step back, gain new perspectives, and return with renewed energy. Many business owners find that even a short break can lead to fresh ideas, clearer thinking, and improved efficiency.
In the long run, taking breaks can make your business even stronger. Not only does it allow you to recharge, but it can also highlight areas where systems or delegation can be improved, leading to a more resilient business model.
Why do we start a business? Is it for freedom, flexibility, financial gain, or something more? Whatever your "why," taking time off is likely part of it, even if it's not always easy to make it happen. For me, my "why" centres on having flexibility and time with my family—and there’s no better way to create memories and share quality time than during a holiday. Taking these breaks isn't just about relaxation; it’s about truly embracing the reasons we became business owners in the first place.
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