How to Take Time Off When You’re Self-Employed — Without Losing All Your Income
Taking a Break Shouldn't Break the Bank
When you’re self-employed in a hands-on role—like cleaning, hairdressing, massage therapy, or beauty—summer isn’t just about sun and sandals. It’s also when clients go on holiday, childcare costs rise, and your income can take a serious dip if you take time off.
With no employer to cover sick pay or annual leave, time off = no income.
But it is possible to enjoy time off without financially crashing. Here's how:
1. Plan Ahead and Build a Summer Buffer
Start by saving before you switch off. In the weeks or months leading up to your holiday, aim to:
Take on an extra client per week (if possible)
Add a small percentage (e.g. 10–15%) of each week’s income to a “summer pot”
Reduce non-essential spending to create a short-term surplus
💡 Even £50/week from June to July = £400+ by August — enough to cover part of your income gap.
2. Offer Pre-Holiday Specials
Give clients a reason to book you before you take time off.
Try:
“Holiday Hair Package” for hairdressers
“Back-to-School Deep Clean” for domestic cleaners
“Summer Pamper Session” for mobile beauty therapists
These can bring in extra income upfront and ensure clients don’t forget about you while you're away.
3. Communicate Your Time Off Early
Tell your clients well in advance:
When you’ll be away
When your last appointments will be
If they need to pre-book for before or after
You can use:
A pinned WhatsApp status
A Facebook post
A simple printed slip to hand out
Example: “I'll be taking a break from 5th–15th August to enjoy the summer holidays with my family. Last appointments available on the 4th!”
4. Refer to Someone You Trust (and Get Referrals Back)
Team up with another local self-employed professional. When you’re away, they can cover some of your clients—and do the same for you when they’re off.
It’s a great way to:
Keep clients supported
Build local goodwill
Create a steady flow of referrals year-round
🤝 “While I’m off, my colleague Sophie will be covering my area. She’s brilliant!”
5. Revisit Your Pricing (Yes, Really)
This one’s BIG! If you’re not earning enough to cover time off, your prices might not be right.
Let’s say your target income is £30,000 a year, but you only work 46 weeks (because of holidays, illness, slow weeks).
That means:
£30,000 ÷ 46 weeks = £652/week
Divide that by the number of clients you see weekly to find your minimum rate
Use this insight to adjust your rates sensibly—especially if you’re booking up weeks in advance.
📈 Smart pricing = income that supports real life, including breaks.
🧠 Final Thought: Time Off Isn't a Luxury — It's a Lifeline
You didn’t go self-employed to run yourself into the ground (hopefully!).
With some planning, clear communication, and confidence in your value, you can take time off without fear.
It might not be paid leave like a 9–5 job, but it can be protected income. And you deserve the break!
Let us know if you have any other tips… sharing is caring!
