For those of us in the United States, this coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day. Most U.S. employees have the holiday off, and poolside cookouts and red, white, & blue garb rule the day. We’re celebrating our independence as a nation, but entrepreneurs have a different kind of autonomy to revel in — freedom from the 9-5 grind.
Escaping the rat race of the corporate world is a big motivator for those looking to start their own business. More than 50% of small business owners report going into business to be their own boss, according to a Cox Business survey of 605 entrepreneurs.
Once you’re up and running, it’s easy to forget to enjoy your newfound flexibility. That’s why this July 4th, I propose you celebrate your independence from the 9-5 workday. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.
Work From Somewhere New
You have the flexibility to work from anywhere, but do you usually take advantage of it? Head somewhere exciting and get your work done from the beach or that chic downtown coffee shop. A new environment can feel incredibly refreshing and even make you more creative. Even just a day out of the home office will help you re-energize, and you’ll be happy for the freedom to make it happen.
Sleep In
As an entrepreneur, you wear a lot of hats and you’re busy all the time. If that translates to waking up at the crack of dawn, take a day to let yourself get caught up on sleep. By savoring an extra hour of ZZZs, you’ll wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
Take a Long Lunch with a Friend
Entrepreneurship can be lonely at times, and it’s easy to forget to prioritize time with friends and family. Give yourself permission to take a long lunch and meet up a friend or family member. With the right company, your favorite restaurant can feel like the ultimate indulgence (even if you order a salad).
Give Yourself a Day Off
If you can swing it, take a day off. Whether you choose the 4th and enjoy all the barbecues and fireworks, or a weekday to explore your city while the crowds are at the office, a day off can help you get back to work more focused and ready to creatively problem-solve.
Enroll in a New Course
The most successful people are all about learning new things. Is there an aspect of running the business that you’re struggling with? Or maybe a skill you’ve always wanted to learn? Enroll in a course — online or otherwise — to learn something new, and both you and your business will reap the benefits.
Work On Another Project
Taking your eye off the ball is a luxury, but if you can afford to, spend some time working on a side project you’ve been thinking about. You’ll come back refocused and with a whole new perspective on your current business.
Plan an Entrepreneurial Vacation
As your own boss, you certainly don’t have to worry about parsing and saving up PTO. To celebrate that in a big way, plan a vacation to somewhere exciting or exotic — somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Whether you have a working vacation or totally unplug, you’ve more than earned the freedom to get away for a while.
Anything You Want
The beauty of your independence from the grind? You can use it however you want. So it doesn’t matter how you celebrate your freedom — it just matters that you do.
How are you celebrating your independence this holiday weekend?
