I’m getting ready to get away. For 5 days, I’m attending the Creative Freelancer Conference and HOW Design Live, including a design and a package design conference, in Boston.
The conference schedules will keep me busy all day, so I’ve told clients I will not be available during that time. I have made arrangements with another designer who is familiar with my largest set of clients so she can cover for me if needed. I’ve already handed off some projects that might need attention while I’m busy.
I leave tomorrow. I managed to get most of my work done yesterday, but I have one project that is dragging out. Originally this project was due to be completed in April. Due to client issues, we are just now finishing it up. (It’s now mid-June.) Of course the client wants it done before I leave. I just got yet another round of changes from the client. The changes are simple and won’t take long, but it’s still annoying to have to get them done today. (On the other hand, it will be great to be done with this project and to send off the final invoice.)
Lesson learned: I should have told clients that I was unavailable a day earlier than I am actually leaving. It would be nice to turn off the computer and just relax and pack today, instead of checking for emails in-between packing and travel prep.
How do you prepare to get away? Would you try to keep up with work while at a conference?