This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from social media manager Bethany Carter. She says:

“How do you deal with overwhelm? Are there some strategies you can recommend other than taking time off?

I am a self-employed social media manager and I also have a side project sharing sensory and messy play ideas for babies and toddlers (Pumpkin Play).

I am Mum to an almost 2 year-old who is in childcare 2.5 days a week, and I catch up on work most evenings until around midnight once he's in bed. I love what I do and I don't want to change it, but sometimes I feel like I really need a break and it's more stressful to take one than to plough on through.

Being a social media manager makes taking holidays reeeeeeeally challenging, and when I do take time off I always end up having even more work when I return. ALSO whenever I tell my clients I am taking a break, I can guarantee that's when they'll demand more of my attention — it's as though me taking time off has reminded them to check in more often.

Friends in employment are forever telling me to 'just take a break' or 'have some time off' but it's not as easy as that is it? I feel like I'm on a high speed train and it's a wonderful and exciting ride, but occasionally I'd like it to stop and let me off for a bit!

Thanks in advance — a happy, fulfilled, but exhausted DIFTK-er. Beth"

The Maternity Action article that Frankie mentions in this episode is here: https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/keeping-in-touch-days/ See Section 3 'Maternity Allowance and KIT days for employed and self-employed women'.

What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.

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This episode is supported by the lovely people at Crunch, an online accounting service that supports freelancers, small businesses, and practically anyone who’s self-employed. Quote “DIFTK” to get 10% off their packages.

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Bethany Carter's website
Frankie Tortora's website
Steve Folland's website
Steve's podcast - Being Freelance

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