OOO- Overworked, Overtired, and Over It - Tips for Taking Time Off As An Entrepreneur
Taking time off as an entrepreneur can feel impossible. For many of us, if we aren't working, our businesses are essentially standing still. But just because you work for yourself doesn't mean you don't deserve time off! Someone told me recently to treat myself how I would treat my future employees- you are your first employee after all. To help out all of my fellow entrepreneurs, here are some of my tips for taking time off over the holidays.
1. Start preparing to take time off weeks in advance.
As a social media manager, this looked like working ahead on prepping content starting Thanksgiving week. I have been working client by client, getting their content through Christmas prepped to ensure that I am able to take time off without stressing about missing any content or any client work not being complete.
2. Alert your clients of your OOO dates
Altering your clients about when you will be out of office and what that means for them is key! I always send an email 3-4 business days before I will be OOO detailing when I will be out of office, how delayed my email responses will be, and how to reach me in case of emergency with examples of what constitutes an emergency. This way, they have plenty of time to send any last minute requests before your OOO date!
3. Schedule all social media content.
If you are a social media manager, make sure you schedule all of your social media content for clients while you are OOO and add all reels or Tiktoks to drafts with the caption, tags, and cover photo all set!
Top tip: For things you cannot schedule (still waiting for the reels autopost feature...), set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget to post while you are in vacation mode!
4. Establish "work time"
Although you are planning on being OOO, we all know how stressful it can be to completely ghost your email for a week. Setting "work time" in the day that you can choose to utilize if you are feeling stressed or choose to ignore if you are feeling good is a great way to ensure you aren't accidentally sitting down and working for hours. Don't feel pressured to work during your "work time" if you don't feel like you need to - this is an "in case of emergency" tactic!
5. Turn on your out of office email early
Setting your out of office email early is a great way to remind clients who may be sending out of office requests that they might be running out of time... I would recommend setting your OOO email 1-2 days in advance!
Struggling to write your out of office email? Here is an example you can copy and paste for this holiday season!
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for reaching out. I will be out of the office from December 21 - January 3, 2023. During that time, email responses may be delayed, but I will be sure to get back to you when I return! Thank you for your patience and I hope you have a joyous and restful holiday!
Best,
Katie
Now you have no excuse but to take some much deserved time off! Happy Holidays!
Stay Social,
Katie