You chose direct sales because you wanted flexibility. So why does it feel like you can never take a break?
One of the biggest perks of direct sales is the freedom to set your own schedule. No punching a time clock. No boss hovering over your shoulder. You get to call the shots. Sounds dreamy, right?
But here’s the catch no one tells you: when you’re your own boss, if you’re not working… no one is.
That can leave you feeling like you have to keep going—constantly. Like the whole thing will come crashing down if you take your foot off the gas for even a second.
Let me gently tell you, friend, that’s not a healthy place to be. And it’s not why you started this business.
You probably chose this career because of your family. Please don’t let your business take priority over the very people you’re working for. At the end of this life, no one ever says, “I wish I had worked more.”
It’s okay to step back. It’s okay to rest.
It’s okay to give yourself grace.
Whether you’re planning a much-needed vacation or life throws you an unexpected curveball, you can (and should!) take time off from your business. And you can do it in a way that doesn’t leave you overwhelmed when you return.
How to Plan Time Off in Your Direct Sales Business
1. Schedule It—On Purpose
If you know a break is coming, mark it on your calendar. Treat it like any other non-negotiable appointment. Planning your time off in advance gives you space to prepare and gives your customers a heads-up.
2. Set Boundaries and Communicate Them
Be clear with your team, your customers, and yourself about when you’ll be unavailable. Let them know when you’ll be back and how to get support in the meantime.
Example:
"I’m out of the office from (dates), recharging with my family! If you need help before I return, please reach out to [Company’s Customer Service Number]. I’ll be back and ready to support you starting (date)!"
3. Automate What You Can
If you use a system like Project Broadcast, you can schedule messages to go out while you’re away. You can automate:
- Customer follow-up
- Birthday texts
- Party reminders
- Newsletters
It’s like having a digital assistant keeping things moving while you unplug.
4. Keep It Simple
You don’t have to run at full speed before you leave. Focus on the essentials:
- ✔️ Make sure orders are processed.
- ✔️ Check in the upcoming hostesses and let them know when you'll return
- ✔️ Schedule your return-to-work plan.
Don’t pack your to-do list so full that you burn out before your time off even starts.
5. Plan Your Return
Here’s the step most people skip: schedule your first few tasks for when you come back. That way you’re not sitting at your desk wondering, “Okay, now what?”
Example:
- ✔️ Day 1: Follow up on new leads.
- ✔️ Day 2: Return messages to customers and hostesses
- ✔️ Day 3: Connect with your team.
Having this mapped out will help you ease back in without feeling like you’re starting from zero.
How to Put This into Action
- Open your calendar and block your next planned break—even if it’s just a long weekend.
- Communicate your time off to your customers and team.
- Set up one automation for your next break (try scheduling your customer follow-ups).
- Outline your first three return-to-work tasks before you leave.
Friend, giving yourself grace isn’t just good for you—it’s good for your business. You’ll come back more focused, energized, and ready to serve your people well.
Ready for More?
Ready to stop doing all the things and start building a business that works even when you're not?
Check out the Project Broadcast Quick Start Mini Course and finally feel confident using Project Broadcast to grow (and automate) your business. It’s the perfect next step if you’re ready to reclaim your time and your sanity.
