How to plan (and actually take) an extended sabbatical
How to plan (and actually take) an extended sabbatical
Back in 2015 and 2016, I did something many dream of but few dare to undertake. I took a two-year break and traveled the world in the pursuit of reconnecting to my creative free spirit and heal my heart from a divorce that left me emotionally shattered.
For those two years, I lived as a nomad out of a suitcase, traveled to 14 countries and immersed myself in diverse cultures, each offering new insights and sparking creativity in unexpected ways.
When I embarked on my break, I hadn't planned for it to last two years. Initially, my goal was simply to take a breather—to step away from everything. I was feeling utterly depleted: drained of energy for work, overwhelmed by the relentless pace of life, and worn down by the constant demands and stresses of daily responsibilities.
At the outset, my plan was merely to take a few months off and explore different regions of the country. But as the journey unfolded, I found opportunities that allowed me to extend my sabbatical. This unexpected flexibility transformed what was meant to be a brief hiatus into a comprehensive two-year exploration, enriching my experience far beyond my initial plans.
The confidence and ability to take two years off for a sabbatical didn't happen overnight. Over the years, I had taken shorter sabbaticals, each teaching me valuable lessons about how to prepare and what to expect. These experiences gave me a foundation of knowledge and the assurance that I could navigate a longer break, ensuring I was ready both logistically, emotionally and mentally for this extended period away from my usual routines.
Why take a sabbatical?
For us creatives, sabbaticals are not just beneficial; they are essential. Stepping away from daily routines and professional pressures allows us to replenish our well of inspiration, explore new ideas, and return with fresh perspectives that can revolutionize our work.
This intentional break from the everyday nurtures deep reflection and experimentation, which are critical components for sustained creative growth. By disconnecting from our usual environments, we can reconnect with our creative free spirit, often leading us to breakthroughs and a new path for our work.
The mid-life burnout that many of us creatives face is often a direct consequence of our creativity becoming transactional. Over time, the constant pressure to monetize our creative output can sap the joy and spontaneity from artistic endeavors, leading to a sense of disillusionment and fatigue.
This burnout comes from the emotional toll of commodifying our passions. A sabbatical provides a much needed break, allowing us to step back from work pressures and reconnect with our art as a form of emotional self expression, rather than merely a source of income.
A sabbatical offers a reset button—an opportunity to step back and engage with our inner landscape, away from the pressures of deadlines and client demands. It's a chance to listen to our soul's calling, to realign with your purpose and rekindle the passion that drives your creativity.
First Steps to Planning Your Sabbatical
Taking a sabbatical without a plan might seem freeing, but it can actually lead to more stress and less effective time off. Planning ahead is crucial because it ensures that your break is not just a pause from daily grind but a meaningful period that enriches your life and career.
A well-thought-out plan helps you set goals, manage money, and communicate effectively with those affected by your absence, ensuring you can fully immerse in your sabbatical without any worries.
Here are the steps I’ve taken when preparing for a sabbatical:
Clarify Your Goals: Start by asking yourself why you want this break. Do you want to explore new places, learn a skill, or just take a breather? Knowing your purpose will shape how you plan your time away.
Sort Out Your Finances: Money is key. You need a cushion to enjoy your break without stress. I saved up, budgeted carefully, and even found some gigs during my travels to keep the finances smooth. Start by setting a savings goal and work towards it diligently.
Communicate Openly: Talk to your employer, clients, or business partners about your plans. When I took my break, I made sure everyone knew and I arranged things so my absence wouldn’t be a burden. Honesty and planning make it easier for everyone involved.
Research and Plan Your Activities: Decide what you want to do during your sabbatical. Whether it’s traveling, studying, volunteering, or pursuing a personal project, outline your activities in detail. This will help in setting a realistic timeline and understanding the resources you'll need.
Set Up Out-of-Office Systems: Ensure that your responsibilities at work and home are covered while you're away. This might involve training colleagues, hiring temporary help, or automating certain tasks. Having these systems in place will allow you to relax and enjoy your time off without interruptions.
Plan to disconnect: One of the best advice my mentor gave me before I began my two-year travel sabbatical was “travel without an audience”. He encouraged me to disconnect from social media to truly immerse myself in the experiences, ensuring that my journey was my own, free from the influence and validation of an online presence.
After taking my first sabbatical, which lasted 100 days, I returned not only rejuvenated but also inspired, motivaed, and excited about my work. This experience sparked an idea that reshaped my career: I began to support people through retreats and creative exploration experiences which is now the flagship course I teach.
Ultimately, taking an intentional break is a powerful act of self-love that will only lead to good things. So why not quiet those 'what ifs' and give yourself the gift of a sabbatical? Stepping away could unlock a world of creativity and passion you didn't know you had.
Remember, each moment away is not lost time, but a precious investment in your future self. Dare to take that step—your future self will thank you.