Why I Might Continue to take Summers Off. 

With owning your own business comes getting to make your own schedule but we all know it’s still a 24/7 job and we sometimes over schedule ourselves. This summer was definitely different. Instead of scheduling tons of summer sessions or planning a summer mini, I had to take a step back. 

How it got considered as a new schedule. 

I’m pregnant with our second child and we are absolutely thrilled but I have been so sick this time. Back in May when the sickness really started up, I decided to take the summer off. I knew with my previous pregnancy that I was nauseous up until the middle to end of the second trimester and with this being worse than before. I decided to base it off that schedule. Having the whole summer with no sessions. It was weird at first to take a step back. I was always running this business in some shape or form. But this time, it was time to take care of myself and the baby having a few other scares in the beginning. 

Making a schedule that works best for you will make for a better client experience. 

Scheduling is important and scheduling well for what honestly works best for you is the best way to go about it. I truly understand we want to take as much as we can but over scheduling calls for burnout and possibly losing the passion that first got us into this. Huge disclaimer too, it’s okay if over scheduling is not for you and it’s okay if it is for you. I know some people that thrive off an overly filled schedule that works with their lifestyle. This personally was not working out for myself or even my clients' experience sometimes honestly. Less is more. Allowing me, personally, to give more time to my family, my clients and even myself.

This summer, having to take the season off unexpectedly has really made me think about future scheduling. My son is out of school for the summer giving me less time to work and not being able to give clients much undivided attention. Then on top of that I want to be as present as possible in all the summer activities in the future with my kids. For me, summer isn’t super busy and most people don’t schedule as much during this time of the year for a lot of reasons from the heat to vacations. So looking forward, this is probably going to be a new thing for me and it works the best for my family. Not saying I’m not going to accept any summer sessions in the future but probably only my bundle of joy mamas, maternity or lifestyle newborn. Basically for the sessions that can’t always wait. This also gives me a much needed break between the busy seasons, spring and fall, to avoid burnout. 

I will still be present in my business. 

Making this change doesn't mean I won’t be involved in my business during the summer at all. I will continue to take on sessions that can’t always wait like maternity, lifestyle newborn and Bundle of Joy mamas at a limited amount. I might even do one mini session that is summer themed. I will continue to post on social media and get to client inquiries. Our quarterly newsletter will also continue. This blog will even continue throughout the summer. But I am cutting back on hours worked and technically taking the summer off from all other things to use that time to spend the much needed time with my family. 

Schedule for your lifestyle. 

Schedule however it works best for you and your life. It will make you much happier. I’ve even found myself giving people a better client experience this way. It’s honestly refreshing to me and keeps this business running smoother than ever. So announcing now and looking forward summers are officially being mostly taken off!