To work or not to work the holidays

So I would love to hear some of your opinions on working the holidays.

The fourth of july is coming up and we have some nice events across from my house, with a huge firework display.

I know i could rack in some good cash, but i also love the unstressful day with friends and family ending in fireworks. i am torn, can't decide what to do.

I don't work Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas, but the other holidays are up for grabs if there's a potential job on the books. You do have to weigh the pros and cons though. Sometimes it's worth more to be able to relax and enjoy the day!

If there is a job, I will take it. Only if there is something I can not do another day - like a friends wedding - I would decline. And you can always meet with your friends and family. It don't have to be a holiday for that =)

I won't work on Christmas or Thanksgiving and for any other holiday it comes at a premium. I had one call for the 4th and of course they had no budget, sorry, no.

I don't think we can completely turn down the holidays because of the added of income and exposure, but they need to pay for it!

Metina

Yeah... we don't work most days of the week... I can take my holiday the day after But it's a personal decision.

I think I may decline it this year. being so close to the fireworks, for so many years, lots of people stop by whether i send out invites or not. Maybe I can set up in my yard and charge a smaller fee.

As a mom of little kids, I'd have to say that most holidays I choose not to work. It's just too important to be with them during those special celebration times. I couldn't stand the thought of missing watching them experience fireworks, etc. Just my two cents.

Having three young kids and the cost of childcare for me means its better for me to work holidays when my husband can look after the kids.
He has to take some time off over the next few months so I can do a few jobs too but we still get time together as a family. I think if it eats into the family time too much I'll think about definite times not to work.

I will work - no kids, family can come with me to work!! Only day I say no to is Christmas cause I have to cook for the whole family... other holidays are open to anyone wanting to pay me.

Just curious, but how many people have been asked to paint on Christmas? I can imagine more "public" holidays, like New Year, would be, but not the "private" ones.

It happens - shelters that put on events for the homeless, church groups, non-Christians... lots of things.

if this is am all day event (or a decent lenght), you might consider face painting for part of it. clearly post when you close shop and schedule it around the event you care about most. best of both worlds?

it might turn out to be a good marketing opportunity. with all the faces in the crowd.. make sure to have business cards in you pocket


have fun
Avigail

I will work on holidays, except Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. If it's a public event my kids come with me and they get to enjoy all the activities, but if its a private event I leave them with family. Unfournatley this year I had to miss my Family reunion , because my husband was laid off. So we did a festival instead (and made a good profit). So you have to take the good with the bad.

Every job I have had I HAD to work holidays so its nice if its up to me! I usually do work now, unless theres a special do on I want to go to. You kind of HAVE to take thre work when you can. I do charge extra on big holidays though, as often a lot of services are shut so if you need lunch, petrol or whatever its harder to get!

Cat

Oh yeah and I should say that Christmas Eve/ Day/ Boxing Day is one of my biggest earners, every year! Its great as I nearly always get given a decent dinner for free (with extras to take home) and TBH I'm far happier having our own proper Christmas dinner later or earlier.

Means more of the family& friends are able to come and extends the holiday cheer a bit longer!

The only holidays that I work is July 4th, Labor Day and Memorial Day and New Years Eve. I don't charge a premium.

Dragging up an old topic because the holidays are coming up again...funny how that happens.

I don't have kids or a spouse (suddenly I'm depressed...lol. No, no, I'm fine) so it's not as big a deal, and honestly, the only holidays that I would consider NOT working are Christmas and New Years. (And even then...we do dinner, but after presents we don't really do much until the serious food prep. I'd totally be able to run out and did a little party!)

For those that do charge extra for working holidays - how much extra? If it was a significant amount of time, I'd likely just do my day rates anyway, but it's something I started thinking about.

It all depends on how much you can make and what that day is worth to you. If you decide it's worth X amount of money, go for it. If you decide to relax and enjoy the holiday, don't think about it as missing an opportunity. Think of it as spending quality time with your family.

Generally I don't charge extra for dates like Canada Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc. The only one I would charge extra for, if someone wanted me is Christmas Eve and/or Day. The rest would be regular rate with NO discounts.

I've got no kids nor do we do things on those dates that are special so taking a booking is no problem. Christmas is different because I am the one that makes dinner for the whole lot!

I think working holidays has to be a personal matter. I doubt I'd work the big ones, but might work the smaller ones... but this said, I've missed a ton of holidays w/ my hubby because we've been married over 20 yrs & most of them have been in the Navy. Now that he's retired, we like to spend holidays together. I've never charged extra for working, so I don't know if I would for a holiday... Some jobs, it's time & 1/2, so that might work, if the client is willing to pay.