A study by PeoplePerHour has revealed that freelancers are having more holidays than employed workers, and they’re staying away for longer too.

According to the survey 35% of the self-employed interviewed had two or more trips abroad in the past year, compared to 29% of employees.

Self-employed workers indulged in a luxurious 21 days on holiday a year in 2016, compared to 10 days for employed workers.

The industry had a large bearing on the amount of time spent away, as those who were likely to travel more freelanced in the creative industries. Writers, social media experts and designers were amongst those who were likely to have up to three holidays a year.

Working in the sun

But just because freelancers are working away for longer hours doesn’t mean they aren’t prepared to do work at all.

In fact, freelancers were likely to spend more time working while on holiday, with most freelancers spending half an hour each day checking their work emails.

In comparison, employees will check their emails for just 15 minutes when they’re enjoying a holiday.

The need for freedom

Unsurprisingly, freelancers find being able to maintain their own work/life balance an important aspect of their career. 65% of 18-24 year olds say freelancing is part of their long-term career plan, possibly to maintain their wish to travel.

Those living in London have left the UK for their holidays the most, with 63% bragging a tan in 2016, compared to 39% of Welsh workers.

Founder and CEO of PeoplePerHour, Xenios Thrasyvoulou, said: “The fact that freelancers tend to take more regular holidays than employed people doesn’t come as much of a surprise to those of us who frequently work with them”.

Thrasyvoulou added: “Freelancers, quite rightly, enjoy more the flexibility that their lifestyle choice brings, travelling further afield and staying away longer.”

How many holidays are you taking a year? Get chatting in the comment section below!