Perhaps the one thing I miss about my corporate days is the PTO. I enjoyed being able to take guilt-free vacations and was able to completely disconnect while knowing that the corporate machine would not erupt in flames in my absence. As a business owner it’s completely different, and it often feels like you’re never truly off the clock, let alone being paid for time away. In this blog you’ll learn how to take back control and how taking time off as a business owner can feel just as good as PTO! 

Fun Fact: The U.S. Travel Association reports that on average, Americans enjoy approximately 17.4 days of paid time off annually. However, a study conducted by OnDeck reveals that only 57% of small business owners intend to take a vacation. What’s more disheartening is that these owners typically take only five business days off per year. 

Taking Time Off can be Hard! Start Small!

When you first start a business, the idea of vacation almost seems daunting. However, if the idea of stepping away feels like a death sentence for your business, it’s a clear sign that you need to take time off ASAP. Take a day to turn off your phone and disconnect completely from your business. Turn your phone off, move away from the computer and engage in activities you love! Doing this doesn’t cost you a dime! Gradually, you can  work your way up to longer breaks. Even if it means exploring your own city during a weekend staycation.

Have a Communication Plan

Clear communication is the key to a worry free vacation. Personally, when I go on vacation, I set up an automatic reply telling the client how long I will be away. I also establish an expected response time, so they don’t feel left hanging. I will also set up a personal “focus mode” on my iPhone that only allows certain apps and people to notify me. This prevents me from getting sucked down a rabbit hole by impulsively checking email. If you have employees, then your approach may be a little different. If you have employees, designate a point person who can handle urgent matters in your absence and ensure they have the means to contact you if necessary. Include that person in the list of contacts permitted to reach you while your iPhone is in vacation focus mode.

Taking time off your Business Seasonally

Every business has its peaks throughout the year. Identify your slower periods in your business and schedule your vacations during that time period. That way you can use the time to recharge for the busier season. For example, as a wedding photographer I know there is NO WAY I am able to take vacation during certain months. So, Identify which months are a bit slower for you and use those downtimes to refuel.

Make Your Vacation a Business Trip

Use your vacations for opportunities for professional development and growth! If you are able, combine fun and work together. Best part is, you can write some of it off as a business expense! As a wedding photographer, I get to travel to incredible places. I use these work getaways as an advantage. Occasionally, I’ll extend my trip by a few days, either at the beginning or end, to explore new destinations and unwind. Also, if your industry offers conferences, those can be a great way to break the monotony, take a small trip, learn more about your industry, network and have fun. Personally, I have signed up for the Engage Summit this year, which is a wedding conference held in unique locations and resorts. AKA the perfect opportunity to learn, have fun and relax at the same time. 

Build Business Systems

Lastly, Implementing efficient systems and outsourcing tasks can drastically reduce the time and effort required to run your business. Business systems and outsourcing have definitely changed the game for how much time I personally spend on my business. Implement tools like canned email responses, workflow automation software, and outsourcing services for tasks like accounting and bookkeeping. When your systems are running smoothly and working well, you can step away confidently, knowing that your business is in capable hands, and only need to tend to them occasionally, as the infrastructure you’ve built does the heavy lifting automatically.

Taking time off as a small business owner is not only possible but essential for long-term success and well-being! By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy guilt-free vacations while maintaining a thriving business.

Like what you read? Check out Crafting the Perfect Self-Care Plan for Business Owners!

Don’t forget to Pin this blog to Pinterest!