Should You Pause or Pivot? Smart Moves for Independent Contractors During Seasonal Gaps

For many professionals, the summer months—particularly July and August—can feel like a slowdown in the jobs market. Annual leave, half-year budget reviews, and delayed project timelines often result in fewer opportunities available in the overall job market.

But that doesn’t mean it’s time to panic. In fact, these seasonal gaps can be the perfect time to take a step back, reassess, and make your next move with confidence. So the big question is: Should you pause and recharge, or pivot and refocus? Here’s how to assess your current position and decide what’s right for the months ahead.

Step 1: Review Your Current Situation

Before you do anything, get a clear picture of where you stand:

• Is your contract due to end soon? If you're within a month of 2 of completion, this is your opportunity to plan ahead and line something up for Q3.
• Is there potential for an extension? Check in with your recruiter or client. A quick conversation could help secure continuity, especially as teams begin to prepare for the second half of the year.
• Are you happy with the rate and the work? Even in slower periods, it’s worth thinking about whether your current contract still suits your goals. With inflation and market shifts, could you renegotiate your terms or responsibilities instead of seeking a new role?
• Have you built up income for a break? If you're operating through an umbrella company or your own limited company, you may already have a rainy-day fund. Now’s the time to review your finances—can you afford to take a few weeks off, or more? How long could you comfortably take off without affecting your longer-term plans?
• Are your skills still in demand? The job market is constantly evolving, especially for self-employed professionals. Talk to your network, recruiters, and peers in your industry. Is your sector seeing a slowdown, or is it time to consider a shift into a more in-demand area?
• Will taking time off affect your next opportunity? One of the key advantages of being an independent contractor is flexibility—but that doesn’t mean large gaps between contracts go unnoticed. If you’re planning a break, be ready to explain it positively when future opportunities arise.

Step 2: Pause or Pivot—Which Works Best for You?

Once you've assessed your current situation, it's time to decide whether to take a break or keep moving forward.

Option 1: Pause (Strategically)

If you’ve had a packed schedule or completed several back-to-back projects, a break might be exactly what you need.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Use the time to upskill. Summer can be ideal for personal and professional development. If you believe your industry is changing, now’s your chance to future-proof your skills. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, vendor certifications, and Icon Accounting’s iPerks platform can help you get started.
• Prioritise work-life balance. Projects can be intense, and it’s easy to put your wellbeing on the back burner. Take that trip, enjoy the time off, be present in family life, or simply recharge—you’ve earned it.

Tip: This is also a good time to review your pension contributions, assess your tax efficiency, and make sure your financial plans are still working for you. A quick call with your Dedicated Account Manager can go a long way.

Option 2: Pivot into New Opportunities

If you'd rather keep the momentum going, summer is still a solid time to explore new roles—especially if you stay flexible and proactive.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Look outside your usual industry. If work is quiet in your current sector, industries like medtech, green energy, financial services, and public sector projects may still be hiring.
• Try short-term or remote contracts. These can fill the gap, help you learn new systems, and give you a stronger CV heading into Q4.
• Start building skills in high-growth areas. Cloud computing, AI tools, data security—these are consistently in demand across industries. If you’ve been meaning to upskill, this is the perfect time.
• Stay visible in your network. Many self-employed professionals secure Q3 roles by simply staying active on LinkedIn, sharing their availability, and maintaining strong relationships with recruiters. Don’t wait until September to start those conversations.
• Speak to your recruitment contacts. They know the market better than most and may already have roles in the pipeline that would suit your experience. A quick catch-up could be the first step to your next contract.

Final Thoughts: Be Intentional with Your Downtime

A summer slowdown doesn’t have to mean a standstill. Whether you choose to pause and recharge or pivot into something new, make sure it’s a decision made with purpose. The job market will pick up again—and when it does, you’ll be glad you used this time wisely.

Want help reviewing your contract, your financial setup, or your next step in the self-employed space? Get in touch with the Icon Accounting team today. We’re here to help independent contractors make smart, confident decisions year-round.