In the summer, it can seem like the world is on hold. Your clients and colleagues are away from the office and on vacation. The flow of emails slows to a trickle. With every sunny day, the temptation to trade in your laptop for a lounge chair grows stronger. So, it’s both a blessing and a challenge for freelancers and the self-employed to work during the summer: fewer distractions, yes, but also fewer deadlines, lower income, and more opportunities to lose focus.
Despite this, you can still enjoy the sun while boosting your productivity and protecting your business.
Design a “Summer Schedule” That Truly Works
Owning your own business means escaping the traditional 9-to-5 workday. Although this offers incredible flexibility, you shouldn’t simply “wing it” through the summer. Instead, summer is an ideal time to rethink and re-engineer your daily routine consciously.
Plan your seasonal hours to capitalize on your natural energy peaks and extended daylight hours. Are you an early bird? If so, spend your most productive morning hours (say, 6 am to 2 pm) on client projects, and then spend your afternoons outdoors, on personal tasks, or with family.
What if you’re more of a night owl? Use the quiet, cooler evenings to focus on creative tasks, reserving your mornings for exercise, errands, or relaxing.
It’s all about consistency. Instead of making spontaneous decisions every day, think about what your ideal summer week looks like, block out that time, and adhere to it as consistently as possible. Although flexible, this structure offers a valuable anchor.
Leverage the “Slow Season” to Build Stronger Foundations
July and August are typically slow months for many industries — this slump is especially true for online businesses. Don’t panic about the lull; instead, view it as an opportunity for strategic planning. It’s the perfect time to tackle those “backburner” tasks that often get neglected during peak seasons.
- Elevate your online presence. Refresh your website or portfolio with fresh content, new case studies, or a new design. Additionally, SEO optimization can pave the way for future client discovery.
- Automate & streamline. Streamline repetitive administrative tasks like client onboarding, billing, invoicing, and scheduling. Spend a little time exploring tools like Zapier, Trello, or dedicated CRM systems that can save you countless hours.
- Create reusable assets. Prepare templates for proposals, client communications, contracts, or project briefs. By doing so, you will not only save time but also enhance your professional image.
- Strategic business review. Consider revising your pricing structure, analyzing the profitability of your service, and refining your ideal client profile. What is your ideal customer? Do you still serve them? How viable is your niche?
- Invest in yourself. Take the time to develop your professional skills. Learn how to use a new software tool or take an online course (from platforms like Coursera or Udemy). You can also develop and launch that passive income product (such as an e-book, an online course, or a digital template) now.
By strengthening your business over the summer, you will inevitably lay the groundwork for a successful and potentially more prosperous fall.
Deliberately Plan for (and Embrace) Time Off
Taking time off can be a struggle for freelancers due to guilt. There is nothing more burdensome than the thought of “not earning” during vacation days. Rest, on the other hand, isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for sustained productivity, creativity, and well-being.
Don’t wait for a client lull or burnout to force a break; take a break now. Instead, plan your time off in advance. Establish a professional out-of-office response and communicate your availability to clients well in advance. An occasional long weekend throughout the summer can do wonders for mental rejuvenation. It doesn’t take two weeks of travel to reset your brain; just a few days away from the screen, perhaps exploring local hidden gems, can do it.
Pro tip: Consider embarking on a “maintenance week” instead of an unplugged vacation. During this time, you only check in for an hour a day to handle any urgent messages or tasks, then immediately log off and continue your day. The result is a middle ground between full-time work and full-time vacation.
Establish Strong, Summer-Specific Boundaries
Even the most disciplined freelancer can be easily distracted by school holidays, friends’ spontaneous barbecues, and the longer daylight hours that often lead to late nights during the summer. In light of this, setting clear, seasonal boundaries is essential.
- Define and defend work hours. Be clear about your daily work start and end times, and communicate them to your clients and family. Most importantly, try to stick to them as much as you can.
- Communicate your availability. Communicate your availability and response times with clients during the summer. If you work during certain hours, let family and friends know. Hands down, sharing your calendar is the easiest way to accomplish this.
- Designate a work zone. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, create a dedicated, distraction-free workspace. During work hours, mark this area as your “office.”
- Manage digital distractions. When you are in deep work, turn off all non-essential notifications. You should also schedule specific times for checking your email and social media.
Although it is tempting to accept every summer invitation, too many “yeses” can result in late-night catch-up work, increased stress, and diminished enjoyment. Having clear expectations early on and consistently is your best defense.
Embrace Batching to Unlock More Freedom
You’ll be able to enjoy more poolside afternoons and spontaneous mini-getaways if you batch similar tasks together. Instead of juggling 20 small, disparate tasks all day, group them strategically.
- “Pitch Mondays.” Set aside one morning each week for sending out proposals, following up on leads, and managing sales.
- “Creative Tuesdays.” Schedule an entire day for working on client projects, creating content, or developing new services.
- “Admin Fridays.” Plan an entire day for invoicing, reconciling expenses, and responding to non-urgent emails.
Using this approach minimizes mental transitions, creates larger, more productive blocks of focus, and, critically, allows for more continuous summer activities.
Keep a Keen Eye on Your Income and Expenses
As industries pause, freelancers often experience slower cash flow during the summer. In contrast, your personal and business bills rarely take a vacation. If you don’t already have one, establish one. Ideally, you should have 1-3 months’ operating expenses saved up to handle seasonal income dips.
Aside from income, be mindful of summer splurges. The pleasant weather and relaxed atmosphere can easily lead to overspending on outdoor dining, spontaneous trips, weekend events, or impulse purchases. You can track seasonal fluctuations in your incoming revenue and expenditures by using a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet. Plan your savings accordingly in the spring, and then replenish your reserves strategically during the busy fall season.
Reignite Your Creativity with Personal Projects
With summer’s slower pace and natural shift in environment, creativity can be rejuvenated. If you feel your client work has stagnated, use this time to work on a passion project for yourself.
- Write that eBook. You can later use this e-book as a lead magnet or as a new source of income.
- Pilot a new service/product. Launch a beta version of a digital product or a new service offering. Also, gather feedback and refine it.
- Start a content series. Create a blog series, a mini-podcast, or a short video challenge focused on a niche you’re passionate about. By doing this, you can build your authority and attract new audiences.
In many cases, these personal passion projects turn out to be new income streams or, at the very least, enable you to sharpen your skills, broaden your knowledge, and reignite your enthusiasm for your chosen field.
Stay Social — Even When It’s Quiet
During the summer, client communication may slow down, but networking efforts won’t. Now is a great time to nurture existing relationships and plant seeds for future collaborations.
- Reconnect thoughtfully. You can send personalized “just checking in” messages to past clients or collaborators. A simple “Hope your summer is going well, wanted to see what exciting things you’re working on!” can open doors again.
- Attend casual gatherings. Attend coworking events, coffee meetups, industry-specific community events, or just social gatherings that may lead to unexpected connections.
- Refresh your digital presence. Refresh your LinkedIn profile, social media bios, and share new articles or insightful commentary. Also, engage with posts from others in your field.
Summer is the perfect time for low-pressure networking. Checking in today could easily lead to a significant opportunity come fall.
Move Your Work Outside (Smartly)
In the summer months, a change of scenery can boost creativity and motivation. Take your work outside on a shaded patio, a quiet park bench, or a bustling sidewalk café if possible.
When doing so, however, be strategic;
- Privacy first. Always use a laptop privacy screen when dealing with sensitive client information.
- Tech care. Don’t expose your devices to direct sunlight or overheating. If necessary, invest in a portable fan for your laptop.
- Power & connectivity. Don’t forget to bring a fully charged power bank and a reliable Wi-Fi connection (a hotspot can be a lifesaver).
- Noise management. In public places, noise-canceling headphones are essential for maintaining focus.
When you spend a few hours working outdoors, you can revitalize your mindset, avoid cabin fever, and feel more connected to the vibrant energy of the season.
Strategically Prepare for a Strong Fall Season
Don’t let September catch you by surprise. Take advantage of the summer months in August to prepare meticulously for the fall season.
Consider the following questions;
- Would you like to reengage past clients or pitch new prospects aggressively for fall projects?
- Are you considering reorganizing your service offerings, adjusting your pricing, or refining your value proposition based on insights gained over the summer?
- How can you make Q4 your strongest quarter yet? Is there anything you can do now to lay the groundwork proactively?
Instead of reacting to whatever business comes your way, utilize the relative quiet of summer for deep strategic planning. Fall is often a time of renewed energy and new business. By being ready for it, you can effortlessly catch that wave instead of frantically chasing it.
Final Thoughts: Making Summer Work for You
It doesn’t have to be an endless grind without any play for freelancers and self-employed individuals during the summer. If you master the delicate balance between flexibility and structure, it can be your most intentional and strategic time of the year.
Rather than reacting, be proactive. Make the most of the slower pace by building, reflecting, recharging, and reconnecting. Most importantly, enjoy the season. Besides, what’s the point of working for yourself if you can’t occasionally enjoy the sunshine, spend time with loved ones, and relish the freedom you’ve so meticulously acquired? As someone self-employed, you can not only choose your hours, but also how you live them.
FAQs
How do I handle clients who are on vacation and unresponsive during the summer?
Communication is essential. Be sure to let your clients know well in advance when you will be available during the summer, and ask about their vacation plans. If your clients are unresponsive, set clear expectations by acknowledging their vacation and stating when you expect to follow up (e.g., “I will follow up with you after [date] after you return from your vacation.”).
You can also work on internal projects or contact new leads during their downtime.
What if my income drops significantly in summer? How can I prepare?
This is a common problem. Preparation is best done through proactive saving. Build a buffer of 1-3 months’ operating expenses for your busiest seasons (spring and fall). Further, be strict with your spending this summer, focusing on essential business and personal expenses.
Alternatively, you can use the time to develop passive income streams that can generate revenue even when client work is slow, such as short-term “filler” work or discounted “summer specials.”
Is it truly okay to completely unplug as a freelancer, even for a short period?
Yes, and it’s essential for long-term sustainability.
While losing a client or missing out is a real worry, burnout is a far greater threat. You should communicate your absence to clients clearly and professionally, set up an out-of-office message, and delegate urgent tasks whenever possible. Clients usually respect personal time, especially if they are also taking breaks. The more rested you are, the more creative and productive you will be.
How can I stay motivated when everyone else seems to be on vacation?
To achieve this, discipline and self-control are essential. During the summer, keep in mind your long-term goals and the opportunities it provides (e.g., skill development, business foundation work).
Also, take advantage of the quieter environment for deep thinking. Spend your summer days enjoying summer activities (e.g., early morning work followed by a swim). For mutual accountability and encouragement, connect with other disciplined freelancers or entrepreneurs.
Should I work more in summer to compensate for the slowdown, or maintain a lighter schedule?
Your financial buffer and personal goals will determine this. During the summer months, if you have a solid financial cushion, you can work smarter and not necessarily more hours on client projects (e.g., foundational projects, professional development). If income stability is an issue, you may need to adjust your schedule to seek out more active client work, such as offering faster, smaller projects. To make the right choice, you must balance financial needs with rest and growth opportunities.
Image Credit: Ketut Subiyanto; Pexels
