Hi FelicityFlops, I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling uncertain about your freelance projects and your holiday plans. As a freelancer myself, I can understand how frustrating and stressful it can be to wait for feedback and not know what to expect. You are not alone in this, as many freelancers face similar challenges and dilemmas.
I think you need to weigh the pros and cons of both options, and decide what is best for you and your situation.
You said that you really need a holiday for personal reasons, and I think that is a valid and important reason to take a break. Freelancing can be demanding and exhausting, and sometimes you need to recharge your batteries and take care of yourself. A holiday can also boost your creativity, productivity, and motivation, which can benefit your work in the long run. However, you also need to consider if you are comfortable with working remotely from your holiday destination, and if that would affect your enjoyment or relaxation. You also need to think about the costs and logistics of booking a holiday, and if you can afford it or cancel it if needed.
Your professional goals and reputation. You said that you are waiting for feedback on four possible projects, and that it is unlikely that you would start anything new before October. However, there is always a chance that one of the projects might want you to start sooner, or that a new opportunity might come up. You need to consider if you are willing to miss out on these chances, or if you can negotiate a later start date or a flexible schedule with your clients. You also need to think about how your clients or potential clients would perceive your availability and reliability, and if that would affect your reputation or relationship with them.
Your market situation and competition. You said that it is the summer holidays, so timelines are extended. However, this might also mean that there is less demand or more competition for freelance work in your field or niche. You need to assess the market situation and the trends in your industry, and see if there is a high or low risk of losing work or income by taking a holiday. You also need to keep an eye on the news and the events that might affect your work or your clients, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic uncertainty, the political changes, etc.
Just some musings...hope it helps! 😁