Do you love or loathe being a freelancer at Christmas?

by Leo Wiles
12 December 2014

Christmas is one of those times of year that can make or break a freelance creative. Watching loved ones enjoying paid days off, going to Christmas parties, landing an end-of-year bonus or even contributing to a secret Santa can make you feel like you got the wrong end of the pineapple when things are slow on the work front.

On the flipside however, the festive season can be rich with opportunity. You can network without coming off as desperate and be hired by outlets operating with a skeleton crew – see Christmas commissions (and other miracles).

Even so, I’ll be the first to admit opportunity can be very hard to see when you have to order the turkey, write Christmas cards, wrap gifts, bake special treats for teachers and of course navigate family commitments and expectations! Especially if you’re parenting and the sole bread winner, like me, or because you work from home find the bulk of the day-to-day running of the house and parenting falls on you. If you nodded at scenario two, then I want you to practice delegating. You don’t need an oversized leather chair where you can stroke a big fluffy cat in order to ask other people to actually help out! Although I hear a bull whip can help…

In reality, it’s your choice whether or not your Christmas rocks. No matter if you’re up to your ears in commissions, or so quiet you can hear the second hand ticking in the next room, it’s up to you if you’ll enjoy this period. Here are my top tips for a great silly season as a working freelancer:

· Remind yourself you’re doing what you love, and pat yourself on the back for having the courage to pursue your creative dreams, unlike others

· Enjoy clients being more laid back and better still, away from their electronics for at least two public holidays

· Take the time to clear your desk and update that contacts book so you can spring into action in the New Year. At the same time, grab a journal and write down a wish-list of outlets you wish to write for in 2015

· Embrace the change of pace and recharge your batteries by sleeping, reading those books by the bed or catching up on your TV

· Go out to the gallery, theatre, local park and or beach. Be inspired by the world around you and change the direction of your writing

· Carve out time for your personal projects (like that unfinished e-book!)

· Take time to hang out and laugh with friends or family without worrying about a looming deadline.

What are your strategies for enjoying a fun silly season as a freelancer?