Freelancers: How often do you take breaks from working?

R

RockmanX3

Well-known member
From working here as a freelance editor in Los Angeles, I was able to earn enough money to pay the rent for both my girlfriend and I for at least 4-5 months. So I've been on a break from work since the start of March.

I've basically been a "stay-at-home" boyfriend since my girlfriend has a good job in business. I always keep the apartment clean, answer phone calls, and I've even learned how to do some "real" cooking. I've also been able to whittle down my dvd and video game backlog along with getting some regular exercise (which is hard to get when you're editing for 12-16 hours a day).

One of my old clients just recently contacted me and wants to shoot a documentary in July. I was thinking about getting back into the workforce in June, but it looks like I'll have another 2 months to relax. Part of me is really excited to be working again, but another part of me is hesitant to give up this lazy and relaxed lifestyle. I know I'm going to be extremely rusty since I haven't cut anything on Avid and FCP for a few months. :embarasse

How often does your lifestyle allow you to take breaks if you're a freelancer? I have a friend working in reality TV who has literally gained alot of weight due to his hectic schedule. I was on the verge of gaining weight for the past few months until I took a break from it all.
 
I don't take planned breaks. I find the natural ebb and flow of the business makes its own breaks for me. There tend to be 2 busy periods for me in the trailer business, Cannes and AFM, which are roughly six months apart. I work like a dog during those periods, and the rest is down time with the occasional gig.
 
I live in Los Angeles where the cost of living is very high, likewise health care. I find working as much as possible affords me the ability to realize a comfortable lifestyle.

Not only that but as a camera owner/operator my cost of business is quite high as I continue to buy equipment.
 
I also don't take breaks or vacations -- there will be plenty of time to rest when I'm dead. To be honest though, I TRY to work only half a day on client projects. But the more I work = the more gear I can buy...
 
As with others, I don't take breaks on purpose. Certainly not for more than a month or two. But I also don't live in an area with much economic activity, so the workloads aren't very heavy from that part of my life anyway.
 
Last edited:
Capt Quirk said:
It actually works backwards for me, I work to get away from the breaks. Sad, isn't it?
Click to expand...

I know what you mean. I remember after I graduated college a year ago, I had so much trouble looking for work that I had an unwanted 3 month vacation. I was sick of doing nothing and incredibly eager to get any type of work.

From Sept-March, I've been working nonstop to the point of burnout, massive headaches, and weight gain. After my last gig was done, I felt like I didn't want to open up an editing program ever again.

My goal before I start working again in July is to lose more weight, eat healthier, and get into better shape.
 
I recently started getting more and more jobs as a freelancer+my regular job as an editor. I'm only worried about my eyes and brain cells, as I spend too many times in front of monitors and sleep...well, lesser than before. I kinda ask mysel what will I look like in about 10 years from now.

Wait, what was the question again? :]
 
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