Life of a Writer: Planning for Holidays
It is Thanksgiving this weekend in Canada. As that happens to be where I call home, that equates to a holiday on Monday. It also means getting together with family to feast, frolic, and stuff in as much fun as we can. As my immediate family doesn’t live in the same city as me, it is a time to give thanks for this opportunity to gather with them as well. I am grateful that I have family who loves me, and whom I love with all my heart in return. But before that happens, I need to do some planning for the holidays before they get here.
Life of a Writer: Planning for Holidays
Before any feasting or frolicking commences, some planning needs to be worked out. Not everyone gets the day off. I have an out-of-country client in my roster, who doesn’t celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. That means I need to accomplish some writing for her beforehand and schedule it accordingly, so I can enjoy every minute of my holidays, without worrying about work. The kids get the day off from school too, so that break is important. And as I set my own hours, my job is to fit it all in before the car gets packed. As well as bake a pie, buy Thanksgiving supplies, and fuel the vehicle for the 2 1/2 hour commute. No problem!
For any of you aspiring writers out there who think the life of a freelancer is ideal—it is a mixed blessing. I don’t get holiday pay, but have made peace with that in the grand scheme of things. It is about flexibility and rearranging work schedules to make sure everything works. It also means working longer hours leading up to scheduled breaks, like vacations or holidays—it just comes with the job. Either that or a reduced pay cheque. Your choice.
Knowing that a few more words need to be tapped out before I call it quits for the weekend means I need to wrap this up though. I need to pen an article and some social media fraternizing needs to happen too. It’s lunchtime though and the pie beckons. I will have to return to the computer after the kids go to bed (wouldn’t be the first time). A late-night cocktail might soften that blow. And family awaits.
It is good and I am thankful that this is what life looks like right now. It might not be 9-5, but it suits me just fine and I am grateful for the path I walk. What are you thankful for this weekend?
