098 | How to Take Sick Days as a Freelancer

Jan 17, 2019

Today is going to be more a “quick tip” kind of episode, but I wanted to give you guys a few ideas on how to take sick days as a freelancer. It’s an important topic because it’s something we don’t talk a lot about and is generally something we don’t often give ourselves.

Here is a list of things you should have in place for when you need a sick day, and I recommend putting these into your project management software so that your VA or other contractors know exactly what needs to happen when you’re out.

1. Check urgent items

If you can move urgent items to another day, do so. If not, assign them to another member of your team or your VA.

2. Cancel or move meetings

Go through your calendar and cancel (my preference) or reschedule any meetings you have.

3. Notify your clients

Let them know you won’t be as reachable as usual because you aren’t feeling well.

Once you’ve done all that, get some rest and get ready to come back at it energized and feeling at your best.

“A lot of times we don’t let ourselves take breaks and heal and we feel very guilty about it, but in order to serve your clients the best you can, you need to rest.”

Main Takeaways

• Take sick days when you need them. You are of no use to clients if you aren’t at your best.
• The world won’t end and things won’t fall apart if you take a day off - so do it when you need to.
• Be thankful for the flexibility and freedom your business gives you, and be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your clients during any time away.

Links

• Beyond the Status Quo Ep 087: How to have less meetings
• Asana