Be Your Own Boss Bonus: Taking a month off

By Jane Comben

How lucky am I?

As you may know, I emigrated to New Zealand from Britain 15 years ago and I've been back a handful of times since. We're just back from our latest trip, having spent a month visiting family and friends.

The main joy of working for yourself is the little freedoms this allows. I've shared a few on our page on facebook. But the main freedom it provides is time. Nice big chunks of it.

One of my favourtite places, Portland Bill, Dorset, UK

Of course travelling to the other side of the world is a costly, exhausting and time hungry extravagance. Depending on how many are going (and what you do when you get there) the cost of a trip ranges from a cheap second hand car to a new kitchen. As with a lot of things, you often have the time OR the money. Not usually both. But, the desire to see family and friends can be a strong one.

When I worked full-time I had the money and with three weeks annual leave, not much time. Now my partner and I are self employed, we can take as long as we like – so long as we plan well and save hard. This time, my clients got plenty of notice of my plans and all the time sensitive jobs were completed before we left (just!). Emails were re-directed, another designer lined up as backup for a client, the answer machine switched on and we were off.


The Plan vs Reality
After a previous trip was disrupted by freak snow-storms, this one was carefully planned for maximum sun and minimum olympic disruption. Well, that was the plan!

Flooding in Weymouth, Dorset, Uk

Long warm summer evenings vs the wettest June (ever!)

Days at the beach vs drying at the laundrette

Romantic country walks vs mud

Tanned and gorgeous vs extreme jetlag and spots

Of course it wasn't a complete washout
I got brave and attended the school reunion I blogged about here. Having bumped into an old friend, we agreed to go together and had a great time. Some people were just the same, while others unrecognizable with more or less hair/weight/teeth. I was a little envious of the few that hadn't left and still had their roots firmly set in Portland soil.

Jess & I

There was also time to experience an extremely rare bee orchid, three castles, one abbey, lots of beautiful churches, several pubs, an olympic torch relay, a couple of beaches, a few cream teas and my niece's school fete ("poo in the loo" anyone? 3 throws for 50p).

Some of the highlights

The main highlights were the little things

• My son learning to fly a kite, holding an olympic torch and feeding tortoises.
• Getting silly with my siblings and skipping in the sunshine.
• Being able to attend the funeral of a dear family friend.
• Watching my Mum enjoy having all her children and grandchildren in one place.
• Defying the rain and taking a family walk across farmland in borrowed "Wellies".
• Reconnecting with family and friends.

All the siblings in one place.

Was it worth all that time and money?

Yes. Years ago my father couldn't fathom why my sister wanted to travel to Australia rather than buy a car with her savings. "I'm buying an experience" was her response. The same is true for me. Going "home" was good for my soul, if not my bank balance - but there have to be some bonuses to being your own boss.