Gary Varga (9/1/2014)
The issue is similar, but not the same, for freelancers. There is a fear that one cannot ignore calls from agencies, queries from the current client or contact from previous clients. The reality is that it can usually wait.Ironically, during my holiday this year the only contact I needed to have was because SSC decided to post my first editorial (I am sure I could have contacted to have it rescheduled a few days earlier or later). I felt obliged to try and check the discussion thread and did so throughout the day. At least that was not the same as someone calling you up, with you knowing that they are one smidge of lost patience away from asking you to come in.
In the early days when I first started contracting I would fret on this, but now, if I'm on a between-contracts-break (AKA bench) I make them wait. The better ones(!) will usually be polite and wait until you reply. One irony of freelance is your so busy working for a client you don't have time for a break/time off, then when you are off/end contract, you don't want to spend money on going away somewhere since you don't when you when you will be back earning.
Nice article, Gail I guess we all need to realise that the mind needs to rest at just as much as the rest of our bodies. Probably more. 🙂
qh