Thanks Kathy! Much appreciated!

Hi John. Great question. You’re right. There are some instances where a mini-retirement will just absolutely not work. If that’s the case, just do your best and take as much time as you can. Having said that, I think there are many ways to overcome the most common obstacles. If you haven’t already, read “Mini-retirements and work: A how to guide.” You can find it on the Archives Page. I give quite a few ideas in there on ways to try to make it work. I’d also say to talk to your clients. I’m not sure exactly what you do, but they might be comfortable working with you via Skype or the phone for several weeks while you take some time off. I worked almost every day on the trip. I couldn’t do face-to-face meetings, but I’d take phone calls (one while I was walking through the British Museum), Skype and keep up on email. Most people (including our clients) understand that we need time off. In fact, you’d probably be able to do a better job for them and be able to look at their problems with fresh eyes if you were rested and recharged. Those are just a few thoughts. Hope it helps!

How do you handle your career in regards to mini-retirements? Some jobs/careers/self-employment may lend themselves to being able to be gone for a month or two (or three…..) and pick back up where you left off. Other careers, not so much. I’m self employed, but with a small client list that I do work for every week. They couldn’t/wouldn’t function without someone providing the services that I do. It’d be impractical for them to bring someone in for a few months, then switch back to me. Plus they may like the new guy better and not bring me back!!

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

John