Make 2025 you happy by planning vacations now

Don't be like me. Get some dates in the calendar.

Hi Friend,

There have been many years in my career that I went far too long without taking a real break. The result? I get exhausted, uninspired, and dangerously close to burning out. It wasn’t until I started intentionally planning my vacations that everything changed. By scheduling my time off ahead of time, I made rest a priority—and it’s helped me stay excited about my business, avoid burnout, and show up for my clients with fresh energy and creativity.

Me, when I prioritize time off Photo by Andre Tan on Unsplash

The truth is, freelancers often wait for the perfect moment to take a break, but that moment rarely arrives. When business slows down, we scramble to market ourselves. We find reasons to be at our computer and work. And before we know it, another year passes with no real time off. That’s why setting your 2025 vacation intentions now can make all the difference.

How do I know? Because I didn’t do this for 2024 (see below for the opportunity to call me a hypocrite), and it was only in writing this article that I realized my last (and only) full week off in 2024 was in March. That’s the danger of not planning your time off—days turn into weeks, which turn into months, and then a year has happened and you’ve only had two weeks off.

Why Vacations Matter

Taking breaks isn’t just about resting your body—it’s about refreshing your mind and keeping your enthusiasm for your business alive. Research shows regular breaks are crucial for mental health, creativity, and overall well-being. Whether you opt for several smaller breaks or one longer vacation, the key is to ensure you’re stepping away from work on your terms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your 2025 Vacations

1. Sit Down with Your 2025 Calendar
   Before November ends, take some time to map out your year. How many weeks off do you want? Even if you’re not sure about exact dates, set a minimum goal for yourself. If you already know about big projects coming up in 2025, make sure those are in your calendar so you can work around them.

2. Decide What Breaks Work for You
   Some freelancers prefer a month off in the summer; others, like me, prefer smaller breaks throughout the year. I aim for one week off every quarter. Choose what feels right for your schedule and lifestyle.

3. Mark Your Calendar
   Once you’ve decided, tentatively schedule your vacations. For instance, block off a week in March, but if a fantastic travel opportunity pops up in April, shift your plans. The point is to set the intention now so time doesn’t slip away. You’re more likely to take it seriously if it's in your calendar.

4. Prepare for Your Time Off
   Add reminders to your calendar about a month before each break. Use this time to:

   • Notify clients of your planned absence (see my previous article on how availability emails can increase your income)

   • Work ahead on ongoing projects.

   • Pre-schedule marketing tasks or any essential business upkeep.

   • Set up a subcontractor if needed.

   • Write your “out of office” email response.

5. Be Flexible, but Firm
   Life happens, and sometimes plans need adjusting. But unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t cancel your time off entirely. Protect those days like you would any important client deadline.

Read more of my thoughts on vacation time (note, this is behind a paywall):

And here’s what I said last year about planning vacation time. I didn’t follow my own advice (hangs head in shame), so this year I’m definitely planning vacation time and holding myself to it (feel free to call me a hypocrite for not doing this last year, I willingly accept all derision).

Start 2025 Right

Setting up your vacations now isn’t about rigidity—it’s about taking control of your schedule and prioritizing your well-being. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Take some today to map out your breaks for next year. Then, make it a habit to honour those breaks when they come around. After all, a rested, refreshed freelancer is a happy, successful one.

Here’s to your ongoing freelance success,

Heidi