The Raketista's 10-Step Guide to Break Time

Yes, your workaholic take on freelancing is commendable. BUT there is such a thing as taking a break.
Say what now?
A BREAK!
Whoa, whoa, whoa… don't panic. Breaks happen and they don't have to be catastrophic. The freelancing world will still spin without you in it for a few beats. And believe me, jumping back in will be as easy as pie. So instead of staring off into that black abyss of 'What if I miss a project when I'm gone?!', why don't you take the step-by-step run-through below and come out refreshed and raring to go… hmm?

1. Maxi or Mini
What kind of break are you going for? Are you thinking of exploring the Alps for a month? Or just ducking into a nearby secluded island for a short and sweet R&R? Of course, your budget plays a huge role in this valuable piece of decision-making. But other than that, decide according to your need. Being a freelancer, there's really no set vacation time for you. No summer holiday or Christmas holiday. So you can easily plan pocket breaks in between work loads without a hitch.

2. The Draught.
Let's be honest. Sometimes the onslaught of work comes in like the devil on speed. Then, vanishes into thin air for weeks. Instead of using this work-less Draught as an avenue for panic, use it for that break you've been putting off for, like, forever. The Draught is there so you can rest. It's destiny.

3. Spread da word
I know you need the escape, but never go MIA. Finish all your pending work and don't accept incoming attacks. Say no humbly. And do write a letter to all your existing clients. Remember that a vacation is important, but so are relationships.

4. Peak Schedules, Shmeak Smedules.
Sure, everyone's going on vacation during the usual calendar holidays. But you're not bound by that. So why not take a holiday off-season? Being freelance means being twice practical than the normal working individual. You choose off-peak seasons because it's cheaper that way and the place is guaranteed less populated. Woo-zah!

5. Spend like a boss
If you think getting a cheaper deal on a vacation spot isn't enough, why not use your influential muscle. You have a client who owns a resort? Strike him a deal for a weekender. You a blogger? Offer your blogging services for a resort exdeal. The possibilities are endless when you're a crafty vacationer.

6. Go Wifi-less
Gasp! Did I just ask you to live in the Dark Ages??? Calm down, cowboy. This is bearable if you're only planning a short break. The key is not to think about work. I'm betting my left arm that the minute you get a whiff of an internet connection, the first thing you'd be doing is checking your emails. Don't. Please. Stop.

7. Better yet, Go Tech-less
OH, THE PAIN! Pfft. Man up. It's not gonna be the end of the world, and it's not gonna take forever. You just need to connect with nature, inner peace, soul search, and all that. And that ain't working while you're busting a Black Ops on the PSVita.
Ok, ok… you can keep your phone for emergency purposes. Geez.

8. Break Buddies
This is crucial. You want to spend this relaxing moment with people who won't talk shop with you. Family's a good bet --if you can stand them. Or friends who don't care what you do for a living or if you botched up your last deadline.

9. Creativity, Re-channeled
You've always used your creativity for work. Let's re-channel for now. On your trip, bring a sketch pad or a journal and a bunch of pens. Sketch a view or write a story inspired by those flying seagulls overhead. Inspiration and creativity don't end just because you're taking a break. Using this power for a different kind of good is most welcome.

10. RELAX, GODDAMNIT!
Ok, stop thinking about work that will literally drown you when you get back, or the lack of work thereof. Concentrate on sipping that darn coconut juice off its natural fruit and scoping that hunk in the upsetting pair of beach shorts.

That's it. Take a break, recuperate, and recharge. You deserve it. And yes, work will still be there when you come home. As Madonna promised, YOU CAN ALWAYS DIE ANOTHER DAY.

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