Do You Take "Vacation Time" as a Sole Business Owner

[Doran]

I had a conversation today with one of my hair stylist friends and she said she doesn't take a vacation because her clients freak out if she is gone too long.  This blew my mind. So I'm wondering...

How does everyone handle time off/away from the salon as a solo business?

How long do you take for vacation each year?

[dmonroes]

Not taking time off is not healthy, physically and mentally.  That is a fast track to burn out.  My clients take time off from their jobs every year, so why is it expected that service providers not take time off?  I take at least 1 week off every year.  I require my clients to book online only, no phone calls, texts or emails, so I simply block of that week off on my schedule.

Donita

Hairstylist

[Doran]

That is so smart!  I recently moved to online booking only and it has saved me so much time.  

[Kellykutz]

Taking time off from work to maintain self care and  able to come to work with a clear perspective and fresh outlook . Is invaluable for running a successful business, I use to never take time off work and felt guilty if I did . The longer I am in this business I see that self care and coming to work everyday with a fresh clear mind is key in taking care of myself my business and my clients needs .

[Doran]

That is such a great point!

[ChaCha1]

Hi Doran. 

Being in the industry for over 30yrs, I've learned to have a 'Balance'. I block out wkns and a week off once a Year.. 🙂👑

Charmaine from Houston, Texas 

[Doran]

That is smart!  Do you block it off early in the year so your clients have tons of notice or as you go along?

[mmm2hands]

Having been in the massage business for 35+ years, I insist on taking 7 - 10 days of vacation time off and my clients understand the importance of it and wish me well.  They are not selfish or impatient, but rather caring and understanding of my time needed to unwind and recuperate.

[Doran]

I love that.  

[Qdepie]

Absolutely!

 I take 3-4 weeks a year.

[Doran]

do you take that time all at once or spread out throughout the year?

[HairGuyLancer]

If we do not take time for ourselves, we cannot be the best stylist for our clients. Nor the best human to ourselves.

I always take the last week of the year off.

I usually take the day of my birth off from all work every month (there are exceptions, such as when I otherwise take a long weekend off or 2-3 days for a short vacay).

Also I take US State Holidays off (otherwise I work in the salon on Mondays) because my spouse is a State worker.

I always take time off around our anniversary (June)  and our birthdays (both in October.) 

[Doran]

I totally agree!  

I like the idea of taking the last week of the year off.  It is usually slow here that time anyway!  I'll pass that on to my friend. 

[Bronze_Palms]

I close my books about 2 months before my vacation, then I staff my days so clients can still get in. I never announce that I am out of town. My husband and I go out of town about 5 days per year tho so we could definitely be better.

When I was solo, I would leave for a max of 4 days. Feeling stressed about $$ didn't make for a very fun vacation anyway. I did my best to save up during those weeks leading up.