Can you take 3 months off every year?

[jo99]

I usually like to take a break between contracts. Started out with the idea of working for 6 months and then taking 6 months off. Not quite how it has worked out. But I have taken breaks for up to 3 months. Perks of contracting......not had any problems with clients even when I have refused a renewal, they have asked me back later.

My work is project based so it is easy to do....

Trick is to not highlight your breaks .....and then no one notices them!

[Lewis]

Be great to take 3 months off a year, but in reality do you think you can work 9 months with only bank holidays and sickness to give you a break?

For sure, I'd still have to take some breaks.

Sounds like it can be done then. My clients are usually investment banks and my fear is that they wouldn't take someone on if they could see they would only stay 9 monhts.

[ChimpMaster]

This is hilarious!!!

Only because it's true... for most contractors.

[Meerkat]

Worked with a guy who contracts in the summer and ski's in the alps all winter. Means that his yearly income was comparable to a bog standard permie job but also meant he spend nov - march every year doing what he loved! Didnt have any issues with getting gigs either.

[chef]

Yup, every year if possible.. have been 'on the bench' since the last contract ended late May, I've kept an eye on the job market and it's fairly good at the moment, i'm planning on re-organising early Sept and hopefully I should be in the next gig by mid Sept.

"Work to Live"

[robnjc]

Be great to take 3 months off a year, but in reality do you think you can work 9 months with only bank holidays and sickness to give you a break?

[kesm]

I will work every single day I possibly can. I'll make excuses to the wife to avoid taking long holidays, I'll avoid the doctors as long as humanely possible, I'll offer to the client to work weekends and bank holidays and I'll do this all for as long as I can contract. I'll save and I'll save and I won't spend anything more than absolutely necessary - only to get to work and back home and a sandwich a couple of times a week.


When I am old and I die I will leave all my hard earned money to my kids so that they can p*ss it up the wall.



* The asterisk is not an 'a', 'o' or 'u'.

This is hilarious!!!

[Flat Eric]

...When I am old and I die I will leave all my hard earned money to my kids so that they can p*ss it up the wall.

* The asterisk is not an 'a', 'o' or 'u'.

Pess... Is that a scottish word ?

[ChimpMaster]

I will work every single day I possibly can. I'll make excuses to the wife to avoid taking long holidays, I'll avoid the doctors as long as humanely possible, I'll offer to the client to work weekends and bank holidays and I'll do this all for as long as I can contract. I'll save and I'll save and I won't spend anything more than absolutely necessary - only to get to work and back home and a sandwich a couple of times a week.


When I am old and I die I will leave all my hard earned money to my kids so that they can p*ss it up the wall.



* The asterisk is not an 'a', 'o' or 'u'.

[thunderlizard]

Easily, but you'd probably have to compromise on other factors. If you aren't picky about what you do, where you do it, and how much to charge, you can generally work when you like.

[Muttley08]

Been trying to do this in the 3 years I've been contracting.

Always take some time off between gigs, but only managed a Feb / March and Sept / Oct so far....

[wxman]

I have taken all of May and most of June off now for the last Five years..

Over the years I have been lucky with understanding clients or it falling within the end / start of a new gig.

[Ruprect]

A mate of mine did it with no problems...took summer off every year. He was v good, so I guess that helps!

[Epiphone]

It's got nowt to do with clients. Finish a gig and don't do anythign for 3 months. Job done.

[Lewis]

I have been thinking how nice it would be to work for just 9 months a year. In fact it was one of my goals when I first started out contracting 10 years ago, but in reality I've been working almost solidly all that time.

Financially it's not an issue but I think end-clients might not be so keen on someone with that record (especially if they want someone for a long time).

Has anyone tried this way of working? Does it work?