Do You Need to Work During the Holiday Season? 5 Factors to Consider

Here are factors to consider as you debate whether to take time off during the holiday season.

The holiday season provides lots of opportunities to spend time with loved ones. It is also ultra-stressful, particularly for self-employables. Because if you ignore your work responsibilities, you risk losing clients, or you could miss out on opportunities to boost your earnings. So, you need to plan ahead for the holiday season — that way, you can find ways to remain productive AND make the most of your time with loved ones.

As you get ready for the holiday season, here are five factors to consider:

1. Your Holiday Obligations

What are your holiday plans? Figure out where you need to go and when you need to be available for holiday events. Next, map out your work schedule accordingly.

2. Your Client Obligations

What are your clients expecting during the holiday season? Evaluate your current workload and how it may change during the holiday season. Also, reach out to your clients to find out what they will need from you during the holiday season.

3. Your Annual Goals

Are you on pace to achieve your annual self-employment goals? Examine your annual goals. If you’re on pace to accomplish your annual goals, stay the course. If not, brainstorm ways to achieve your annual goals. Or, revise your goals so you can accomplish your aspirations and finish the year on a positive note.

4. Your New Year Goals

Have you established goals for the upcoming year? Think about how you’ve performed in the current year and what you want to accomplish next year. Then, establish goals for the new year. Create goals that are both challenging and realistic, and ultimately, drive you to be the best self-employable you can be.

5. Your Well-Being

What do you need to do to take care of yourself? It’s awesome that you want to fulfill your holiday and client obligations, accomplish your annual goals and establish new goals. But DO NOT ignore self-care. Otherwise, you risk stretching yourself too thin.

Should you work during the holiday season? Here’s my recommendation: do the best you can, in all that you do. If you forgo work during the holiday season or work AND celebrate the holidays, just be you. If you do that, you’ll be happy, regardless of how much work you complete during the holiday season.