My sister's husband of 52 years died suddenly Saturday morning. His death was totally unexpected. It occured to me that for those who are self-employed, there is no protocol for taking time off to grieve. You just do what you've got to do. You can take off if you can--if you can make it work. Schedules have to be re-arranged. Calls must be made. Appointments pushed back or moved forward. Seldom is there anyone to pass off your work to. Most small businesses are already working lean.
Just as there is freedom in self-employment, there are certain restrictions. There is no bereavement leave for the self-employed. Neither are there vacation days, sick days, maternity leave, or overtime pay. That's just the way it is. Yet who would trade their self-employment for a paycheck job?
I'll make time to grieve with my sister and comfort my family.
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