Testimonial: freelancing and vacations according to Arnaud Stephan

Arnaud Stephan (A.S) is a talent in the Beager community. After more than 10 years of working in a consulting firm, it was in 2018 that he started self-employed in management consulting. At the same time, he is launching his own business: an immersive experience between coaching and consulting that allows entrepreneurs to quickly detect the strengths and weaknesses of their projects. Although he is originally from Brittany, it is in Annecy that the entrepreneur decides to live, which does not prevent numerous trips related to his activities (across France, Switzerland, Finland...). For Beager, Arnaud Stephan discusses his relationship to vacations as an independent talent.

BEAGER: How do you organize your time on a daily basis? Do you allow yourself moments of disconnection or are you more of the type who does not count your hours?

A.S: In addition to my freelance consulting activity, I am the head of a company. I am lucky to be able to do what I love so I don't necessarily feel the need to switch off. In addition, I live in Annecy, a place whose beautiful landscapes I admire daily at every moment of break. All these factors combined probably contribute to the fact that I do not take a lot of vacation.

BEAGER: In your opinion, is there a difference between taking a vacation as a self-employed person and taking a vacation as an employee? Are you able to go on vacation yourself?

A.S: As an employee, vacation automatically exists. As a self-employed person, they become a possibility whether you decide to grant yourself or not. This is a time that you voluntarily decide not to charge in order to dedicate it only to yourself. For us, the self-employed, the question is whether the state of our business allows us to go on vacation. So that's how I operate. I go on vacation when my activities allow it, both financially and commercially.

BEAGER: What is the duration of your vacation generally, and how do you organize yourself in advance so that it does not disrupt your activities?

A.S: Last year, I took 2 or 3 weeks off. But for the record, I went to visit a friend in Canada a few years ago. On site, I was more or less “forced” to disconnect. With the time difference, it was complicated for me to plan my days according to the rhythm of the customers (in France or Switzerland). So I put consulting aside to focus on the present moment. Based on this experience, I would say that as a freelancer, it is better to be well informed about a destination. What is the time zone? Is the internet connection good on site? Personally, I like to be able to follow what is happening in my activity, whether I have taken time off or not.

BEAGER: On site, are you one of those who manage to leave work behind, or do you sometimes search your emails (or sometimes even answer them)?

A.S: As I said, I like to keep an eye on my activities. That said, I think that turning off electronic devices and no longer responding to messages is still the best technique to apply for those who want to fully enjoy a vacation stay.

BEAGER: The digital nomad lifestyle is renowned for being the perfect combination between a life of work and a life of vacation. What do you think? Have you ever considered living like this?

A.S: Nowadays, the office is not necessarily at home, and it is not necessarily “at work” either. In 2020, I led the Transforming Early Makers program around the Future of Work for EM Lyon (business school). On this occasion, I had invited the Swede to intervene. Sofia Lindman on the nomadization of work and the changes in our perception of Home/Work, Home/Office and Office/Work distances. She herself is a digital nomad specialized in content strategy who gives Ted X conferences... The subject is fascinating, there are a lot of studies dealing with nomadic workers, and that's normal because over time, the phenomenon is becoming more and more widespread. I understand that it is an attractive model for many, but for my part, I feel good in Annecy. I mentioned it before, but working surrounded by mountains is already unusual. That's also why I settled there. I prefer to choose where I live for my pleasure, and if necessary go to a workplace.

BEAGER: What are your tips for self-employed people who want to go on vacation and really enjoy it?

A.S: Enjoying yourself is important. That said, I think that you should remain vigilant about your financial needs to make the most of a real good vacation.

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