Comments on: Freelancers and Fun

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:05:19 +0000

Back from Maine! Wow, I can't believe I went a week with only an hour of Internet connection. So much for the advertised WiFi.

Paula, you of all people need a day or two off! Time to plan a vacation, woman. It will recharge you like nothing else.

Anne, needing to work and taking time off needn't fight each other. You can take time to re-energize without it killing the income.

Jake, spoken like a true golfer. ;) I'd say three hours is a decent break, so yes, a "funcation" counts, too.

Krista, great plan! Include ways to get out of the house and away from it. Coffee shop, mall, park, whatever works!

Alex, I've found that rarely is there a true writing "emergency" that would require me to answer an email instantly. Don't make the mistake of being at the beck-and-call of clients. They'll come to expect it and when you go on a real vacation, they'll be banging down the virtual door. As long as you get back to your clients within 24 hours (or you have an automated vacation reply on your email), you're fine. They can't expect to be your only client.

Art is wonderful, Devon. We saw some great pieces in the Wiscasset Bay Gallery (his favorite haunt). He may get in touch and buy the one he can't stop thinking about.

By: Krista

Krista — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 10:50:48 +0000

I agree Alex! My compulsion to check email (and the need I feel to respond immediately) is a big reason why I've held out on getting a smart phone. 🙂

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 22:35:30 +0000

I find looking at paintings is a wonderful way to refresh. My favorite way.

In NY a few weeks ago, I gorged myself on art at Christie's and the Met.

By: Alex G

Alex G — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 19:17:03 +0000

Krista's comment really resonates with me - how can you keep away from email? What if an urgent assignment comes in?! On this side of the Atlantic, the Caribbean is sadly inaccessible to me, but I do think the way forward on this is to put yourself into a situation you can't escape from. I love coffee with friends, but it's too easy to excuse myself. A planned afternoon or evening out or away is more of a commitment, and eliminates that itch to get back to your desk. Works for me, anyway!

Alex

By: Krista

Krista — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 15:52:18 +0000

I am so guilty of planning a day off but then checking my email numerous times, which makes it feel as though I'm still working. So far the only proven way for me to unplug is to head to the Caribbean, where the Internet connection is so slow it's not even worth the effort. This summer, though, I'm determined to take an extended break as opposed to the long weekends I've been doing for the last five summers. I am burnt out!

By: Jake Poinier

Jake Poinier — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:02:21 +0000

My daughter had a golf tournament this morning, and I had every good intention of sitting in the clubhouse and doing some phone calls and transcribing while she played. Then...I got conscripted into being the Parent Scorekeeper for her group. Oy. A 3-hour unscheduled "funcation," right?

And before you ask, no, my daughter didn't want me following her around the course. It took a lot of psychological energy, because you're not allowed to cheer, talk, hand signal, give advice, etc., like we do when we play together. She played OK, but I know I could have saved her at least 5 or 6 shots!

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:06:11 +0000

I do it all except it's been ages since a real vacation… but I read, schedule time with friends and now am including Tai Chi an Qi Jong and occasionally write gathas or short poems… and yeah, I'd like not to need to work, but….

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:31:05 +0000

Before I can save up to take a week off I need to save up to have the chimney fixed, among other looming structural repairs. (I can push off the cosmetic home repairs a bit, but not the structural ones.) If I did take a week off it would probably be spent painting window trim or doing major yard work, so I'm in no hurry. LOL. Darn my Scandinavian work ethic!

I do plan occasional days off – sometimes I even take a spontaneous day off when I don't have a looming deadline or any interviews scheduled. I also have lengthy conversations with a couple of friends now and then. I've been known to take mid-day doggie walks – it helps recharge the brain cells and keeps Doggie Lily happy.