How to Take Time Off Without Killing Your Cash Flow (For 1099 CRNAs)

May 5

One of the biggest perks of being a 1099 CRNA is flexibility—you can choose your contracts, your locations, and when to take time off. But that freedom comes with a catch: if you’re not working, you’re not getting paid.

Unlike W-2 employees who get PTO, holidays, or sick leave, independent CRNAs have to plan their time off carefully to avoid unexpected cash flow gaps. Without a solid strategy, even a one-week break can feel like a setback—or worse, trigger financial stress.

At CBFC, we work with CRNAs across the country to build financial systems that support time off without hurting your bottom line. Here’s how to take a break the right way—whether it’s for a vacation, maternity leave, burnout recovery, or just a breather.

Step 1: Know What Time Off Really Costs You

Start by understanding your daily income rate. If you earn $240,000 annually as a CRNA and work 48 weeks per year, your average weekly income is $5,000.

Taking one week off? That’s $5,000 in lost revenue—not including taxes or benefits.

Knowing this upfront helps you plan proactively instead of reacting after the fact.

Step 2: Build Paid Time Off Into Your Rate

This is a strategy we help all CBFC clients use: bake time off into your rate from the beginning.

Let’s say you want to take 6 weeks off per year. Instead of dividing your income goal by 52 weeks, divide it by 46.

If you want to make $240,000/year:
$240,000 ÷ 46 = $5,217/week

That becomes your new minimum contract target, helping you stay on pace while still giving yourself breathing room.

Step 3: Set Up a “Time Off” Fund

Think of this like PTO for your future self. Create a separate savings bucket—just like you would for taxes or retirement—and contribute to it regularly.

For example:
If you want to take 4 unpaid weeks off and your weekly income is $4,000, set a goal to save $16,000 in that account by year-end.

Automate contributions from each paycheck so it builds slowly without disrupting your lifestyle.

Step 4: Time It Strategically

Not all weeks off cost the same. Think about:

Contract gaps or low-demand periods (like January or late summer)
Stacking CME or credentialing requirements with breaks
Working overtime before and after to front-load or catch up

Plan your time off like a business owner—not just a provider—and it will pay off long-term.

Step 5: Communicate With Confidence

If you're planning a longer break, like a sabbatical, maternity leave, or recovery from surgery, plan to give your agency or facility plenty of notice. Many CRNAs worry that taking time off will damage their relationships—but clear communication builds trust, not the opposite.

Have a return-to-work plan in place, and your clients will see you as dependable and professional—even when you're resting.

CBFC Helps CRNAs Plan for Life, Not Just Work

We don’t just build tax and retirement plans—we help CRNAs build lifestyle-aligned financial systems. That includes preparing for time off, smoothing income, and protecting your peace of mind, no matter what the year brings.

Final Thoughts

Time off should refresh you—not financially derail you. With a little planning, smart saving, and intentional pacing, you can enjoy breaks, holidays, or recovery periods without sacrificing cash flow or confidence.

Want help building your CRNA time-off strategy?
Connect with CBFC and let’s build a financial plan that supports both your career and your life.

Caleb Roche

Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, Caleb is a Marketing Consultant that helps businesses build better marketing strategies. Combining strategy with implementation, he focuses on building long-term customers through data-driven decision-making. With experience working with both small and large companies, he has the experience to help businesses create strategic marketing plans that focus specifically on each business’s strengths, not just a one size fits all/template-based strategy.

https://www.crocheconsulting.com