Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

Updated: 10 min ago Ask ACE

Ask ACE: How do I let my clients know I’ve set 'take a vacation' as a New Year’s resolution?

By Carrie Green Yardley, ACE board member

Q: I’m a service professional and I’ve set 'take a vacation' as a New Year’s resolution. How do I let my clients know?

ACE advises: For many professionals — especially in service-heavy roles — the thought of a vacation sparks anxiety. The concern isn’t missed flights or sunscreen; it’s clients — their needs, expectations, and fear that stepping away will cause everything to unravel.

You need and deserve time off. Melissa Olander, founder of On Point Business Consulting Services and an ACE treasurer, says, “Taking time for yourself and/or your family is essential for your well-being. Last summer, a few days in a cabin with zero cell service taught me just how refreshing it can be to truly step away.”

Most clients don’t expect constant availability — they want clarity. Preparing them well protects your vacation and reinforces professionalism. Olander notes, “Setting clear boundaries builds client trust — they see that I plan and prioritize effectively.”

Start with advance notice — two to three weeks is ideal. Mention your time away in signatures, meetings and a short message outlining dates. Early notice allows clients to adjust timelines and raise questions.

Create a communication plan. Clarify whether you’ll be offline or occasionally checking messages, define emergencies and identify a backup contact. A brief checklist helps clients organize before you go.

Laura McDowell, a certified EOS Implementer and ACE vice president, says she typically sets up an out-of-office message and empowers the practice manager to handle anything urgent. “We usually communicate via Google Chat, but when I’m on vacation, she knows to send me a text message if something truly can’t wait, which helps me stay out of my inbox completely. Don’t underestimate the power of delegation … No business is too small for support — even a few hours a week can make it easier to step away when someone you trust is keeping an eye on things.”

My own away message asks clients to send a separate text notifying me if an email is urgent. Based on empirical evidence, most (read: all) are fine with waiting until I’m back.

Before leaving, tie up loose ends and set expectations for your return. Taking time off isn’t unprofessional — it’s sustainable. Boundaries build trust, and you return sharper and more effective than if you tried to “power through” without a break.

Carrie Green Yardley practices law at her own firm, Yardley Esq. PLLC. She recently spent two weeks in Italy, and the world did not end. For a “Vacation Prep Checklist for Busy Businesspeople” contact her at outreach@consultexpertise.com.

About ACE

The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value “success through collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.

Sign up for Enews

Mainebiz web partners

Most Recent

Most Recent

Related Content

Ask ACE: How do we incorporate flexibility and innovation while meeting our compliance obligations?
Ask ACE: How do we make sure a family brand is part of the legacy?
Thumbnail How to integrate automation with your (human) workforce
Ask ACE: How do you prepare leadership and management to run an ESOP successfully?

0 Comments

Order a PDF