Interesting thread.
I set up the business in 2009 and didn't take any holiday, save a few days at Xmas one year until last year when we had a few days in Florence and a week in Tenerife. This was largely because I worked in the travel industry and was away several times a year on business (so had had my fill of travel), but also because, frankly, this job is a piece of cake with very little stress (certainly compared to what I used to do) and therefore I just didn't feel the need for a break.
Prior to taking the breaks last year I just worked whatever days necessary to keep on top of business. Given I don't work in anything more than light rain and I live in west Wales this usually meant that I had plenty of time off - I reckon I have 5 or 6 spare days for wet weather every month (so I can catch up), but then I count Saturday as a working day (as the wife works most Sats). Saying that I'm usually home by around 14:30 or 15:00 at the very latest, and some working days are only 3 hours long.
We've no mortgage, so financial pressures are lessened, but do have a smallholding so need the time for that - this job suits me well. Wish I'd gone into it years ago.
We are saving now to do up the house - loads of work needed - but once that's done in around 3 years time i'll keep working as I do now, the wife will go part-time or come out with me and i'll be less concerned about winter weather, which has been horrendous this year for many of us. I'll be 53.
