Guilt Free Vacation Time as an Entrepreneur

Maria Conde Author

How to Take A Vacation As an Entrepreneur and Not Feel Guilty 

Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle. 

It's not just something you do, it becomes who you are. 

Entrepreneurs work hard to create their business and then they work even harder to grow it. When an entrepreneur has been in the game for a while there is a sense of guilt when he or she takes time off from the hustle and bustle of running the show.   

It's easy to feel guilty for taking time off as an entrepreneur. You're always on, you never get a break, and there are so many things that need your attention.  Entrepreneurs can be control freaks too!

Taking time off is hard because it feels like you're being lazy or not working hard enough. But the truth of the matter is that entrepreneurs need to take care of themselves too in order to stay productive and creative.  So here are some tips for how not to feel guilty about taking time off! 

The Guilt

Entrepreneur guilt happens when they are afraid they will lose clients and or their clients will not be served if they are not there. Entrepreneurs need to remember that their company will still grow and business will be just fine in their absence. 

The benefits of taking time off

Taking time off is so important because everyone needs to regenerate. A time to find new ideas and re-think old problems in order for their company to grow. Entrepreneurs that take time off feel refreshed, less stressed, have a more positive outlook on work as well as increased productivity. Entrepreneurs should also understand the benefits of taking time off do not just apply to them but can help employees improve morale.

Plan ahead.

Vacations don't just happen. They take planning and effort to pull off successfully, so be sure to give yourself enough time to organize your activities before you leave for vacation. If you're traveling by car or plane, make your reservation(s) early; if you're headed abroad, check on visas and other documents that are required for entry into the country. Be flexible when making travel plans: unexpected events can always come up which may prevent you from being able to take a planned trip as scheduled.

Rely on your team

Entrepreneurs should set a goal of two to three weeks total time off per year and be sure that their staff understands how they will need to handle the workload while you're out. You can even set up an emergency contact so there can be someone who is available for urgent matters.

Delegate

Create a list of tasks or projects that can be completed while out on vacation. This could include finalizing the company's marketing strategy, preparing for an upcoming holiday season sale or planning out next year's budget and expenses. Entrepreneurs need to remember this is just as important work!

Empower your staff and let them shine.  Trust  your staff to handle things while you are away.  You will be pleasantly surprised.  Most staff thrive with autonomy and being empowered. 

But I don’t have staff….it is just me!

If you don't have staff  you are still not off the hook!  Planning in advance is key to making it happen.   Saving for vacations is key if you are a solopreneur as there will be no or little income.  

Which leads to the next important concept….continuous passive income.  This does take time to put in place but is super important to alleviate some of the financial strain when taking time away from the business.

Partnerships

Find a trusted partner that you can outsource your work to while you are away for those clients that have urgent needs.   Clear communication with clients is key for this to be successful.

Entrepreneur's need to remember that in order for them to reach their full potential, they have to make sure they are doing everything possible to keep themselves in their best mental, emotional and physical shape.

Taking time off is hard because it feels like you're being lazy or not working hard enough. But the truth of the matter is that entrepreneurs need to take care of themselves too in order to stay productive and creative. 

Your Thoughts...

Have any other strategies? Let us know! We hope this helps make taking time off less stressful, so you can enjoy all the benefits vacationing has on health and happiness. 

And last but not least….if you are in the early stages of building your business….build it so you can take it on the road with you if that is the lifestyle you want…...do it right from the start!

Where will your next vacation be?