4 Lessons Learned from Sabbatical – No Epiphanies, Just Practical Advice to Make the Most of Time Off

Five weeks of no work email, client calls, Teams' chats. My company, Real Chemistry offers a five-week sabbatical for five years of service. There are no strings attached – no thesis paper due or continuing ed required. Just forced time to detach and unwind. I delayed mine: kids are too young, travel will be stressful; can’t abandon my clients/teams; FOMO on business opportunities. You name the excuse, I used it, until my amazing manager nudged me.

I am back, fresh with energy and grateful for a team who didn’t skip a beat (and one I couldn’t live without), clients that excite me, and an immense appreciation for an employer who clearly values peoples’ time. A few learnings I’m sharing for people who are fortunate to get extended time off – whether a sabbatical, a vacation or a hiatus – and a reminder to actually take it.

1). Never underestimate the value of shaking things up. Force your daily routine out of autopilot and a well-oiled team will step up to drive (even better then you). New routines offer fresh perspective, and that’s important (in life and business) to shake things up in order to learn, grow and evolve.

2). Hobbies spark energy. I had time on my hands, I took up fishing and cooking (the second is major for a vegan mom with a meat loving family). Intentionally make time for these things – even when 'break' comes to an end – and you’ll see the payoff radiate to your work too.

3). Time is something you can't take back. Don’t wait for the extraordinary trip or the perfect time – at some phases in life, a bucket list of ordinary things (school pickup, closet organization, volunteering) can be just as fulfilling.

4). When you’re off, really be off. When you are fully present, people around you notice. We work hard enough when we’re on, those we love deserve to feel that same presence when we’re off too.

No epiphanies here but some practical takeaways I hope other hard-working individuals will find helpful to kick off the new year with the greatest of intentions.

PS: This is my first LI blog post so welcome any / all tips too!