Freelancers: How Not To Get Screwed By The Bank Holiday

While the vast majority of the working population count down until the Bank Holiday, for a lot of us freelancing folk, it's a source of stress and anxiety; a day of involuntary unpaid leave during what is usually the busiest time of year for us lot. As if the 'feast to famine' existence of being freelance (with no pension, holiday pay or sick pay) isn't a struggle enough, the Bank Holidays seem to come along and mess things up further. If you have a block booking for several weeks that happen to fall over a Bank Holiday, you lose a day's money, but are expected to make up for lost time - while only getting paid for four days instead of five. While nursery schools and the like still often charge parents on Bank Holidays (i.e. when the nursery is shut), freelancers can only dream of such generosity from clients. Of course, Bank Holidays are important to take time out and catch up with loved ones. But being self-employed, you're usually don't need such 'time out' when you can find yourself going for long periods of time without work as part of the job. Luckily, there are ways you can maximise your time so it's not a 'dead day'. (This doesn't mean being a complete anti-social killjoy - spend a few hours being productive in the morning and go to that barbecue in the afternoon!)

Pitch for new business

You might have a steady bank of clients you rely upon for regular work - but there's no harm in finding potential new ones. You never know when a regular job is going to fall through or a department's freelancing budget could get cut, so time spent researching new companies that might need your skills and services and crafting pitch emails (to send on Tuesday) may prevent a quiet patch further down the line.

Check in with former clients

Just because you haven't heard from a former client, doesn't mean they might not have work for you. Everyone needs a little 'nudge' - and if they have a bank of freelancers they regularly use, it might pay off putting yourself at the forefront of their minds for when new projects come up. Keep it brief, with a quick hello and make it clear you're free for work and mention the fact that you had such fun working together the last time - updating them on what you've been up to, so you look in demand. Tip: Schedule your emails to send for Wednesday morning (so your message isn't lost in the mountain of emails they will probably have to get through when they get back in on Tuesday).

Swot up on negotiating

Negotiating fees is one of the most crucial parts of being a successful freelancer, but have you ever taken the time to properly teach yourself how to be more effective at it? Now's your chance - Google and the library are your friends here. Or why not email a few friends/ ex-colleagues who negotiate as part of their job for tips? A few hours spent learning a few techniques and tricks can pay off further down the line when it comes to booking new work.

Send a round robin

For the most part, getting jobs as a freelancer is about who you know and word-of-mouth. So why not make a list of everyone you've ever worked with (alongside, not just for), as well as friends or business associates who work in a similar field, put them all in BCC and then ask if anyone knows of any projects or people that need freelancers at the moment. Be friendly and not 'pushy' - you never know what may come of it. Again, schedule the email for Wednesday morning, when you'll have more chance of a reply.

Do a financial audit

Being a freelancer it can be tricky to keep on top of the financial side of things. Like whether any invoices are outstanding and how your profits have been compared to last year. Is it time to put your fees up for example? How are you budgeting - are there things you can cut down on (e.g. buying breakfast every morning). And do you use an accountant? If so, do you feel you're getting value for money, or would it be worth while to look elsewhere, or even file your own tax returns?

Of course, all of the above aside, you obviously shouldn't feel guilty for taking time off - a common trap freelancers often fall into! Whether you're full-time or freelance, taking time out to unwind and let off steam is actually necessary for you to fire on all cylinders. Yes, it's annoying that you don't get paid, but there are ways you can maximise your Bank Holiday time as an opportunity for professional growth and respite - as opposed to a hindrance!