We’re at the point where we’re counting down the weeks until summer break (woohoo)! Wrapping up end-of-year IEPs, finishing evaluations, organizing files—it’s a lot. But knowing we’re about to walk away from it all for two glorious months? That makes the chaos feel just a little more manageable.

Of course, not everyone feels at ease this time of year. For many school-based SLPs, summer break also brings uncertainty. If you haven’t secured a summer speech position, it can be stressful. Most districts only need a handful of SLPs during the break, and finding a temporary gig from June to August isn’t always easy.

If you’re hoping to stay productive and make some income over the summer, here are a few ideas:

• Create therapy materials to sell on sites like TPT or make your own website
• Pick up PRN work at a nearby hospital (this can be a great way to dabble into another area to build your skillset)
• Work as an independent contractor by offering virtual or in person services to those who would like to continue services throughout the summer. 
• Use this time to take courses for CEU’s and catch up on reading material in areas you would like to improve
• Look into nearby camps to see if they need additional adult staff
• Offer babysitting services while promoting your skillset as a licensed SLP
• Contact your local private practices to see if they need vacation coverage

But maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Absolutely not. I need a break from speech therapy altogether.” And that’s okay. In fact, that’s more than okay—it’s necessary.

I’ve had plenty of summers where I fully disconnected from work, and honestly, it kept me going. The idea of a school year with no real break sounds like (for lack of better words) torture. If you’re ready to focus on rest and recovery, here’s a different list of suggestions to rejuvenate your soul.

• Plan a trip with your family or friends based around your needs (hiking, laying around a pool with a drink, exploring a new city). 
• Catch up on all the fun reading material you never had time for during the school year.
• Sleep in! Take naps!
• Seek out scenic views (the beach, lay by the pool, look for the mountains).
• Take care of your physical health. Join a gym, go on long walks, get your bike out of storage, swim laps. 
• Make plans with all the people you were too exhausted to schedule during the school year. 

Whatever it is you’re looking to do this summer, please be sure to put yourself first. It’s frustrating to hear non school-based SLPs commenting, “but you have 2 months off a year”, when in reality- we’re working more than 40 hours a week without additional compensation for 10 straight months and paying out of pocket for our materials. The mental load we carry—from teachers, parents, administrators, and students—makes this a job that requires a break.

So go ahead and do what you need to do this summer—guilt-free.