Taking time off
And a round-up of what's coming up
It has been a crazy few weeks at FFJ headquarters. Things were going fine and then suddenly there was an unexpected book proposal to write, some last minute writing commissions and a podcast series to put out. And all this came right in the middle of planning and attending two conferences.
So once this week is over, we are planning to take some time off.
We often talk about the wonders of freelance life which allows us to plan our own schedule, choose our work and go off for three hour runs when we feel like it. And it is fantastic. But there will be weeks when things are mega busy and you just hit that crazy rollercoaster and go with it.
That’s why it is so important to also plan in some proper breaks. Time off without a laptop, time off with no Zoom meetings and time off from WhatsApp conversations about work.
On an average week day we exchange dozens of WhatsApp messages and a few emails. This might be planning FFJ work or just generally chatting about how our day is going and sharing freelance celebrations or frustrations. But during the holiday this completely stops. There may be the odd running related message (our other shared passion) but the work chat comes to a halt. We have never consciously made the decision to do this but it is just a natural side effect of taking time off.
It is just as important to step away from work conversations and networking groups during your time off, as it is to step away from your computer. Your mind needs to switch off and focus on something else whether that’s your family, friends or enjoying a hobby. Yes you may get a brilliant idea for a story whilst out on a family walk and it’s fine to make a quick note of it, but then park it until after the holiday.
Over Easter we are both taking a week off and during this time we know we will hardly communicate. And that’s a good sign. We will probably use our phones much less as well and take a break from social media and checking emails.
Whether it’s a day, a weekend or a week, when you are taking time off make sure you physically and mentally step away from work related things. Close the office door, put the laptop in a cupboard and try to leave your phone in another room.
Once you get into the hang of this it is a truly liberating experience.
Last summer we both took off an extensive period of time. Lily had five weeks off and Emma had three weeks off and then only worked part-time for three weeks. It was amazing and we both felt it was definitely the way forward.
It was possible because we put the money aside throughout the year and we told our editors in advance that we would be on extended annual leave. The world didn’t collapse and we came back to plenty of work in the autumn, fully rested.
They say change is as good as a rest but in reality rest is as good as a rest.
The podcast is back!
Series 7 of the Freelancing for Journalist podcast launches today and we’re very excited to bring you a ton of exciting new topics and guests. We’re kicking off this week with Photography. Learn how to get into photojournalism and how it works when you are both writing and taking photos for features.Â
Our guests for this one were Craig Stennett an experienced photojournalist who specialises in political and social change and Nori Jemil, a freelance photographer, writer and videographer who has worked for Nat Geo UK, BBC Travel, and The Telegraph among others.
Over the next few weeks we will be talking to you about Shorthand, Trust in Journalism, and Pensions to mention just a few of the upcoming episodes.
Click below to listen (and also hunt through the back catalogue) or find us in all your usual podcast places!
Triumph of the week
Meeting some lovely and helpful contacts in person!
That feeling when
You realise people outside of journalism are working to completely different timescales to you. Where is their sense of urgency….
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!
