August in Austria has been dreamy.
Long, hot summer days. Afternoons spent at the pool or the lake. Bike rides through the mountains. Even a couple of afternoon siestas.
For readers in the UK (of which there are many here), I’m sorry. I know summer hasn’t treated you well this year and it’s not my intention to brag.
I’m actually telling you this because I’ve done very little work this month – something that has been partly intentional and partly circumstantial.
A few clients took most of August off and at first I planned to fill the space with other work or personal projects. You know, use the time to work on my business or write stories, just for fun.
But then something else happened.
As August drew nearer, and the gap in my schedule remained unfilled, the more I craved the chance to simply enjoy the summer. To lounge in the sun, read books and go on bike rides.
So that’s pretty much what I’ve done for the past few weeks (apart from around four days of work), and it has been lovely.
But do you know what the best thing is? I’m actually starting to look forward to September when the back-to-school vibes will kick in. To get back to work (full-time) and be creative again.
Isn’t this what self-employment life is supposed to be all about, anyway? Making our own schedules and taking full advantage of down time?
After three years as a freelance writer, I think I might have finally learnt this very important lesson.
And about time, too.
Fragments
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Around the web
🌐 So many brands lose sight of the “show, don’t tell” method when it comes to advertising. But it’s something copywriters should especially keep in mind when writing for luxury brands, as highlighted by Derek Walker on X.
🌐 Is the social media algorithm losing its appeal? TikTok users in Europe will soon be able to switch it off on the For You and Live feeds, although the reason is to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act.
🌐 Fyre Festival … is back? That’s right, the man behind the failed 2017 event is now planning round two, once again in the Caribbean. You couldn’t make it up.
One last thing …
“But tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun.”
- The Beatles
Well done for giving yourself a mini-sabattical and the weather was kind. I had a similar intention as things were quiet and then for some reason enquiries flooded in. Oh well, one mustn't grumble.