Vacationing as a Soloprenuer
Taking a vacation as a solopreneur can feel impossible. When your name is the brand and every task—client work, shipping, emails, marketing—lands on your plate, stepping away for even a few days can spark anxiety. But it doesn’t have to.
In our season 4 podcast episode, we share how we successfully unplug for two-week destination weddings and other occasions — without sacrificing client experience or business momentum. Our biggest takeaway? It’s possible to take real time off… if you plan for it!
Here’s how we did it—and how you can, too!
Plan Ahead
Vacations don’t sneak up on you—at least, they shouldn’t. Whether it’s a honeymoon, holiday, or family reunion, start prepping as soon as you know your dates. This gives you time to adjust timelines and set expectations with clients.
Block off your travel dates on your (paper or your digital) calendar
Adjust project timelines to either start earlier or wrap later
Avoid booking work during your trip or in the 3–5 days before/after for prep and catch-up time
HOT TIP: If you're not sure on exact travel dates, even ballpark timing can help you avoid overbooking.
Communicate With Clients Proactively
Client transparency is everything. If your vacation overlaps with a client project, don’t panic—just communicate.
Reach out to adjust design or production milestones
Offer earlier delivery timelines, or let them know when you’ll resume work
Remind them of your return date in writing so expectations are clear
You don’t have to explain everything—just communicate clearly! Let them know when you need the information from them/when they can expect an update from you, and it can be as simple as that.
Set Up Automated Systems
The key to a worry-free break is automation. Schedule everything you can before you leave so it runs without you.
Things to automate or schedule in advance:
Out-of-office auto-response on email
A pop-up banner on your website noting your return date
Social media posts and email campaigns
Etsy or online shop vacation mode
HOT TIP: Google Workspace and most email platforms let you schedule auto-replies to begin and end on specific dates—do it once and forget about it.
To Vacation Mode… or Not?
If you sell physical products on Etsy like we do, you have a choice: leave your shop open with extended shipping timelines or pause sales entirely.
Turn on vacation mode if:
You’ll be away longer than your typical turnaround time
You have no one to fulfill orders while you’re gone
You want complete peace of mind
Keep your shop open if:
You have a trusted person (partner, parent, assistant) to handle fulfillment
You’re only gone for a few days and can ship quickly after
You update your processing times clearly
HOT TIP: If you're on Etsy, don’t stress about the algorithm tanking. Both Jillian and Moriah have seen orders come in immediately after turning vacation mode off.
Pack It Up (Mentally and Literally)
A couple of days before leaving:
Double-check that all orders are fulfilled
Send final proofs or updates to clients
Update shipping timelines or shop messages
Close your laptop and walk away
And if you’re prone to “just one more thing…” syndrome, schedule time for yourself to mentally shift into vacation mode.
Upon Return: Ease Back In
Give yourself breathing room when you get back. Don’t dive straight into your inbox or to-do list—at least not all at once.
Create a list before you leave of priority tasks to tackle first
Delay email replies by a day or two to catch up behind the scenes
Avoid reactive planning—just because a client emailed while you were gone doesn’t mean their task takes precedence
💡 Tip: Schedule a day or two after your return with no meetings or calls—use this time to reset.
What About Emergencies?
Not every time away is a vacation. If you need to step back unexpectedly—illness, family emergency, or burnout—the same principles apply.
Turn on an out-of-office email explaining the delay
Pause shop sales or extend fulfillment times
Use phone notes to draft a quick message you can paste into replies
Know that most customers will be understanding if you’re transparent
As Jillian says: “That time off you need is not going to be the thing that breaks your business. Your customers will wait.”
TL;DR: Vacation Planning Checklist for Solopreneurs
✅ Block off your vacation on your calendar
✅ Adjust timelines and notify clients
✅ Schedule automated replies, posts, and popups
✅ Decide whether to use vacation mode
✅ Pre-pack orders or delegate shipping
✅ Shut your laptop (and your guilt) before you leave
✅ Ease back in with a priority list after vacation
A break is not a failure. Taking time away—even for joy—is part of building a sustainable business. Your clients will survive. Your business will, too. And when you come back refreshed and inspired? Everyone wins.
