GIFTS FREELANCERS SHOULD GIVE THEMSELVES

The holidays are prime time for making gestures. Between client gifts and your coworking space’s secret Santa, most of us look forward to an annual cache of Starbucks gift cards, three wick candles, and microwavable socks. It’s generally understood that gift exchanges between colleagues are more about letting others know they’re considered than the goods themselves. If that leaves you feeling a little empty, it may be time to take control of your wishlist. 

It’s true that it’s better to give than to receive, but occasionally, you can do both simultaneously. If you’ve been secretly yearning for something that you know will make you happier, more fulfilled, or more productive in your business, here is our modest proposal: Get it for yourself. 

Sounds prohibitively egocentric? Think of it as a Christmas present for your business. Here are a few things our fellow solopreneurs will agree are just the right size and color. 

1. Skillbuilding and Networking Events

If you’ve been telling yourself that you don’t have the time or money to invest in continuing education, this may be the perfect time to slip a surprise under your own tree. Take that workshop or let yourself go to that out-of-state conference, knowing that it will pay off in future leads and valuable connections. You deserve to grow with your industry and stay competitive in your field. 

But wait, there’s more! Oftentimes, you’ll be able to maximize your ROI by writing education, coursework, and networking coffee purchases off your taxes. Check in with your CPA to learn more. 

2. Tools and Software

Have you identified something that will make you a better creative, but you’ve been hesitant to pull the trigger? Maybe it’s new design software or a tool that simplifies time tracking or billing. Maybe you’ve been longing to upgrade to the premium version of your favorite scheduling or conferencing app, but you’ve been convincing yourself that you can muddle through without it. 

The end of the year is actually a great time to refresh your tools. First of all, many software packages and product upgrades go on sale (we see you, Black Friday). Secondly, purchasing them now will allow you to use some of this year’s taxable profit for business expenses. 

Money saving hacks aside, part of valuing your time as a business owner is considering how less stress and more efficiency offsets your overhead costs. Doesn’t that sound almost as good as a fresh tube of cucumber melon hand cream? 

3. Professional Services

If you want to scale your business into something bigger than yourself, you will inevitably need to onboard outside professionals and subcontractors at one point or another. If you’re in that awkward growth stage where you can no longer do it all but haven’t lost the urge to try, investing in help can be an incredible gift. 

Outsourcing your bookkeeping or delegating particular tasks to subcontractors not only takes a load off your mind, but it also frees you up to pursue new business and grow beyond your capacity as an individual. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

4. Home Office Improvements

You deserve to like your work environment and fill it full of things and amenities that make you feel happy and energized. This may mean surprising yourself with a more ergonomic chair, some new plants, or a session with a professional organizer. 

If working in close quarters with your family or roommates has been hindering your productivity, a few days a week in your local coworking space may be exactly the treat you need. 

5. Time

Time might be the most valuable gift of all — they certainly aren’t making any more of it. If you’re waiting for all your clients to unanimously agree that you are overdue for a vacation, you’ll probably be waiting your whole life. 

It’s not easy to find opportunities to take a break unless you intentionally create them, so it’s up to you to meet your own needs. Whether it’s an extended adventure abroad or a staycation with your family, don’t let your business fears cause you to miss out on memories. Plan smart and take advantage of naturally slower seasons in your business to maximize your time away from your desk. 

Remember that rest is productive. Instead of searching for busy work during the weird week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, use the lull to build yourself back up so you’re prepared to take on 2025. No one understands what you and your business need better than you do, so treat yourself to the things that are good for your brain, body, and mindset.