Freelance writers tend to work a lot. After all, our desks and computers are always there staring at us… begging us to come to them….

As a result, it can be difficult to take some time off. With the holidays coming up, many freelancers are probably looking at their calendar and wishing they had more time to spend with family.

Here are some tips to get vacation time as a freelancer.

Plan It Out

Never just think you’re going to take off “if you have time.” Plan it out. Mark the time on your calendar so you can work out the next steps in making it happen.

Find a Trusted Writer Friend

Got a pal who can back you up? If so, they can be a lifesaver during vacation time. Many freelancers hesitate to do this for fear the friend will steal away the client, but if you can manage to develop a good friendship with another writer it can give you tons of benefits in the way of support. Of course, if a writer volunteers to be your backup, you most definitely have to return the favor.

Work Ahead

Some clients allow you to work ahead, so if you’re able to do that, go for it. Work two blog posts a day instead of one, or work an extra article every week so when vacation time comes, you won’t get behind on projects.

Let Clients Know Well in Advance

Give clients a month notice that you’ll be taking off for the holidays. Chances are, they will also be taking some time off, too, but never assume. Make sure they understand that you will be spending time with your family and unavailable. If you set the precedent that you can be contacted during vacation time, you may never get away from it.

Fight the Urge to Check Computers and Voicemail

It never fails, even if you get all your ducks in a row in order to take some time off, you may still feel as if you “just need to check” the computer, Facebook, voicemail, etc. Resist the urge to do this as it may mean that you get suckered in to time away from your vacation. Trust me, the world will go on if you take a vacation!