The truth about PTO as a freelancer. (Yes, it’s possible.)

As a freelancer, paid time off probably isn’t something you expect. But if you’ve ever powered through work when you really should have been resting, you know how valuable it can be. If that sounds familiar, you aren’t alone, with 9 in 10 workers admitting they’ve gone to work sick. Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to?

If you’re contracting with a staffing agency, depending on your employment classification, you might have access to benefits such as paid time off. But what that actually includes can vary. Knowing the details helps you ask the right questions when considering a new opportunity.

What types of paid time off might be available?

As you explore freelance opportunities, you might wonder what types of paid time off are available. Here are some key areas to look into.

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Paid sick leave  

The United States doesn’t have a federal sick leave mandate, but some states and cities require employers, including staffing agencies, to offer sick leave to W-2 employees. Some agencies also choose to provide sick leave, even in states where freelance laws don’t require it. 

Key questions to ask about paid sick leave: 

• Does the staffing agency offer sick leave in all states?
• How is sick leave accrued?
• Do I need to be on an assignment for a specific period to qualify?

Other paid time off 

When thinking about paid time off beyond sick leave, here are a few more areas to consider: 

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Client-specific policies: Some agencies offer paid time off, but it often depends on the client you’re working with. For example, a freelancer might assume they have to work during the holidays, only to find out their assignment includes a paid company-wide closure, giving them a full week off with pay. Knowing this in advance helps you plan your workload and finances.

Holidays: Traditional employees typically receive holiday pay, but freelancers should confirm whether holidays are paid or unpaid. Planning a family getaway over Thanksgiving weekend? Be sure to ask if the company offers paid holidays and if your freelancer contract includes them.

Unpaid leave: Some assignments allow time off but without pay. For example, if you have a summer trip planned and need to step away for a week, it’s best to know up front whether that time will be unpaid. 

Key questions to ask about other paid time off: 

• Is paid time off included in this assignment?
• Are there company-wide holiday breaks that affect my earnings?
• If I take time off, will my freelancing contract still be active?

Negotiating and maximizing your paid time off

To get the most out of your paid time off, it’s a good idea to think about it while you’re comparing opportunities and discussing your freelance employment agreement. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Negotiate your rate: If no paid time off is offered, consider asking for a slightly higher rate to account for unpaid days. For example, a freelancer with a three-month contract might know they won’t receive paid sick time off. To prepare for unexpected sick days, they negotiate a slightly higher hourly rate to help offset potential lost income.

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Understand your contract: Reviewing your freelance employment agreement carefully ensures you know which time-off policies apply to your assignment. For example, you might assume you’ll get sick leave, only to find out it’s not included. Or maybe your contract allows you to take unpaid time off, but only with advance notice. Catching these details early can help you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and negotiate the details. 

Ask about client-specific policies: Some clients include paid time off as part of their engagement package, while others don’t. It’s worth checking. For example, you might assume you’ll need to work on holidays, but your employer could have a company-wide shutdown with paid time off. If PTO isn’t included in your freelance agreement, you may be able to negotiate a slightly higher rate to help cover that unpaid time off.

Plan for sick time: If the agency offers sick leave, it can be a lifesaver when you or a family member needs care. Be sure to ask about it upfront and find out how it’s accrued. For example, do you earn hours based on time worked, or is a set amount included in your contract? And, of course, consider negotiating the details. 

Creating balance in your work 

As a freelancer, you’ve probably had days when you’ve needed time off but felt you couldn’t take it because it meant losing income. Maybe a family member was sick, you felt stretched too thin, and you really needed a break to handle your responsibilities. Understanding what you’re entitled to and negotiating the details can help you navigate those situations with less stress and more ease in the future.

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