How Solopreneurs Can Prep Their Business for Vacation (So It Runs Without You)
May 5, 2025
Tired of working during family vacations, the host recounts past misadventures, especially at Disney. This time, they're leaving the laptop behind and relying on the Brick app to block work emails. They emphasize the importance of setting clear client expectations about availability. The concept of 'willful forgetfulness' is introduced, highlighting how stepping away from work duties can ease anxiety and enhance family bonding. The kids are excited, and the host aims to truly miss the office while enjoying 'the happiest place on earth'.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Work Boundaries in Past Job
Joe Casabona shares how his previous job demanded work during personal time and vacations.
His vow to set boundaries came after being asked to work on his paid time off and missing special events.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Limit Devices to Avoid Work
Leave your laptop behind and bring a less convenient device like an iPad for emergencies only.
The inconvenience discourages casual working and helps maintain real breaks during vacation.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Block Work Apps With Brick
Use apps like Brick to physically block access to work-related apps and emails during vacation.
Activate such apps when leaving for work locations to prevent distractions and maintain boundaries.
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I solemnly swear I’ve never worked on a family vacation. Can you honestly say that? I can’t.
From checking emails in Magic Kingdom to recording podcasts at the beach, I've been guilty of putting work before family time, even on vacation. After some not-so-great experiences (including a previous Disney trip that didn't go as planned), I've decided my upcoming Disney vacation with my family will be different.
This time, I'm setting firm boundaries by not bringing my laptop, using devices like Brick to physically prevent me from checking emails in the parks, and setting clear expectations with clients. The truth is, most of us aren't handling truly mission-critical work—the world won't end if we're unreachable for a week. My kids are excited about this trip, and I refuse to be that parent staring at my phone while standing in "the happiest place on earth."
Top Takeaways
I'm leaving my laptop at home and only bringing an iPad with keyboard for genuine emergencies, making the "pain" of working greater than the "pain" of the emergency itself.
Using tools like the Brick app and Focus mode lets me physically block myself from checking work communications while at Disney, helping maintain boundaries during family time.
Setting proper expectations with clients in advance is crucial—I've already notified everyone I'm actively working with that I'll be completely unavailable and explained why.
Practicing "willful forgetfulness" about work matters helps reduce anxiety—most things that feel urgent aren't truly emergencies, and my business is designed to function if I step away briefly.
Show Notes
Brick App - App used to block distractions during vacation
Joe's Audio Notes - For follow-up thoughts after returning from Disney
———— Streamlined Solopreneur is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to automate their business and take time off worry-free. Each week, Joe Casabona shares practical systems, tools, and strategies to help you reclaim your time and run your business without sacrificing your the rest of your life, or your health.
Start with the free Solopreneur Sweep — a step-by-step method for finding where your business is losing time: https://streamlined.fm/sweep
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Streamlined Solopreneur: Automate Your Business, Take Time Off Worry-Free