How to take a break

Sole Traders: How (and Why) You Absolutely Should Take a Holiday this year 

Yes, even you. Especially you. 

 

Running a business solo is no small feat. You juggle every task, wear every hat, and keep the whole operation running. And while that’s impressive (seriously, kudos), it also means one thing: you need a break just as much as everyone else. 

 

Breaks aren’t a luxury. They’re healthy. They’re good for your brain. They’re how you avoid burning out and turning into the human version of a flat battery. And for a lot of Aussies, the perfect chance to recharge is the December-January holiday season. 

 

But before you grab your sunnies and bolt toward the nearest beach bar (drinks optional, relaxation mandatory), let’s set you up so you can actually relax — not take-your-laptop “relax.”  

☀️ First Things First: Permission to Chill 

You deserve sunshine, naps, long lunches, pool floats, beach chairs, cocktails, mocktails, quiet mornings, loud playlists — whatever fills up your happiness tank. 

Your business and customers will thank you for taking a break just as much as your brain will. 

📦 Prep Now = Proper Holiday Later 

Being a sole operator means there’s no one to handball work to. But with a bit of planning, you can switch off completely without the stress.

Here’s how to get holiday-ready: 

 1. Send your invoices early  📬

Get your invoices out before you go.  Early invoices = early payments = stress-free holiday cashflow. 

2. Give your customers choice over the holiday period with more ways to pay 💸

Including various payment options on your invoices – like PayID, Tap to Pay and Online Payments* allows your customers to pay quickly, with no excuses. 

Solo makes this easy: 

• Here’s how to Add PayID to your invoices 
• Learn about our Tap to Pay feature to help collect on the spot in-person payments 
• Learn about our Online Payments and discover how they can open up more payment options for your customers

And the best bit? Payments from Tap to Pay or Online Payments automatically match themselves to invoices. No extra admin on your end! 

 3. Mark invoices as paid before you go ✔️

Nobody wants automated reminders for paid invoices going out while you’re sipping cocktails. Remember to match and review transactions so your customers don’t get unnecessary nudges while you’re away. Want to be sure your paid on-time, remember to send your invoices straight from Solo and turn on those automated reminders!

 

If you’re looking for a way to manage those invoice payments, having a Solo Money bank account could be one option. Solo Money is a bank account inside Solo – no switch between apps as you get paid, spend and track cash flow.  Find out more about Solo Money here.

4. Set expectations early 📢

Tell your clients you’re heading off before you vanish into holiday mode.  Let them know when you’ll be away and when you’ll be back. This keeps everything clear, calm, and drama-free. 

5. Share your 2025 wins while you’re at it 🌟

If you’re already reaching out to clients, take a moment to highlight some of the amazing things you’ve achieved this year. People love hearing good news and it reinforces the value you bring.

6. Schedule your marketing before you switch off 📅

If you send marketing emails, newsletters, or social posts, draft and schedule them now. 
Holiday-you shouldn’t have to think about content calendars.  

A Little Prep Goes a Long Way 😌

Take a few extra minutes now to get organised, and future-you will be lying in the sun, drink in hand, fully relaxed — not checking emails from a beach towel. 

You work hard all year. You deserve a holiday that feels like an actual break — not a part-time job. 

Now go on… plan it. Book it. Enjoy it. 💜 

*Applications for Online Payments and Tap to Pay subject to approval. Fees apply (inc. GST): $0.25 per transaction + 1.8% of total invoice for Online Payments or $0.30 per transaction + 1.6% of total invoice for Tap to Pay. View terms and conditions for Online Payments and Tap to Pay.

 

Solo Money accounts distributed by MYOB Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 13 086 760 198, AFSL 241059) and issued by Great Southern Bank, a business name of Credit Union Australia Ltd (ABN 44 087 650 959, AFSL and ACL 238317).

If your account has a balance of less than $500, a fee of $10 per month will apply unless you make at least one transaction in a 6 month period (other than transactions initiated by us, such as crediting interest or debiting fees and charges). Other fees may apply. See terms and conditions for full details.