What Is A Sabbatical?
Have you ever wondered what a sabbatical was? Do you know people who have taken sabbaticals? What exactly is the point?
Well, I’ve actually decided to take a sabbatical myself. And I’ve even set a start date. June 2026. I know …. that’s a long way away. But I imagine that something like this takes significant planning as well as substantial savings right?
And besides, the FIFA World Cup is in June 2026. So why not? I can check an item off my bucket list as well as enjoy 6 months to a year away from work.
But before I talk about my own sabbatical, I want to share the research that I conducted to help me come to this decision that I am going to complete the ‘great escape’ that is a sabbatical.
A Little Research
The first thing that I wanted to find out, even before I considered doing this myself was of course …. ‘What the hell is a sabbatical?’ If I’m going to do this thing then I’d better get it right.
Is it like a ‘gap year’ for the middle-aged? I’ve heard the word before. I think I associated it with university professors taking time off to write a novel or conduct research – though I’m not sure where I got that from. I’ve also associated it with older people taking time to ‘find themselves’.
I think I’m close to fitting that category. I had a former boss take a sabbatical. However, I never had the chance to ask him about it. He wasn’t that old. But I remember thinking that it was probably just an early retirement. But then I heard that he was back at his old job and has continued in that position for a few years since.
So What Actually Is A Sabbatical?
I found this explanation, which helped. ‘A sabbatical is a period of extended leave that people take from their regular work or career responsibilities. During a sabbatical, people typically step away from their usual job duties to pursue personal interests, travel, engage in self-improvement, or simply take a break from the daily routine. It provides an opportunity for relaxation, exploration, and personal growth.’
In my quest to find out more about sabbaticals, I discovered ‘TheSabbaticalProject’ This research-based site provides absolutely everything that you could possibly want to know about sabbaticals. It even provides hundreds of case studies of people from all around the world who have taken sabbaticals. I observed that many people were much younger than I had imagined. The site also reinforced my idea that significant planning might be required as it was largely designed around helping people ‘prepare’.
Harvard Business Review also provides some insights through their research on the subject. Their research into worker burnout, stalled careers and reasons for people quitting their jobs offers sabbaticals as one solution. They observed that more and more employees are asking for and being granted either unpaid or even paid sabbatical opportunities by their employers. nnI also elicited experiences from friends on social media. Here I found that people from all age groups had taken sabbaticals. These varied from a once-in-a-lifetime experience over a long period of time, such as a year, to more regular and shorter sabbaticals of between one and three months.
Some plan sabbaticals every few years. Another interesting observation was that some did this with young children. The overwhelming feedback was that for them it was life-changing.
I’m curious as to what things people typically do, what things might work and what things I should avoid. But firstly I am intrigued with the ‘why’. Like everyone else, I’m always keen on a break or a holiday. But this seems like something much more powerful. Again, the Harvard Business Review research helped me to understand. It should be noted that their research focused mainly on the business world. They identified three different types of sabbaticals.
1. Working Holidays: People who were pulled into this type of sabbatical did so to work on a passion project (for example, to volunteer for a think tank or found a start-up). During a working holiday, they alternated between intense periods of work and dedicated breaks to rest and rekindle long-neglected relationships.
2. Free Dives: People in this category were drawn more by wanderlust. Having read inspiring memoirs or having heard friends’ stories, they reached the point where they “needed an adventure and a kind of a soul reset. These people often used the phrase “It’s now or never.”
3. Quests: Questers (is that a word?) weren’t pulled into projects or adventures but pushed out of work by unsustainable expectations and toxic work cultures. Exhausted and burned out, the sabbatical was a last resort because continuing on their current path was untenable. Unlike those who took working holidays or free dives, questers rarely went back to their old jobs.
Clearly, taking a sabbatical year during your working life can offer a myriad of benefits. Research has shown that such breaks can significantly enhance one’s overall well-being, career prospects, and personal growth.
The Potential Benefits Of Sabbaticals
Renewed Energy and Focus
Constant work can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. A sabbatical provides an opportunity to recharge and return to work with renewed vigour.
Personal Growth
During a sabbatical, you have the time to explore new interests, learn new skills, and engage in personal development. This can lead to increased self-awareness and a deeper sense of purpose.
Improved Health
Stress and long working hours can take a toll on physical and mental health. A sabbatical allows people to prioritize their well-being through exercise, relaxation, and healthier lifestyle choices.
Career Enhancement
Contrary to common belief, taking a sabbatical can actually boost your career. It can provide a chance to gain new skills, build a network, and even start a side business or project that can enhance your resume.
Enhanced Creativity
Stepping away from the daily grind can stimulate creativity. Many artists, writers, and entrepreneurs have found their most innovative ideas during sabbaticals.
Further to these practical benefits of taking a sabbatical are the psychological benefits
The Psychology of Taking a Sabbatical
Restoring Mental Health
Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout, stress, and a decrease in overall mental well-being. Taking a sabbatical provides a mental reset, allowing us to recover from the pressures of our daily work routine. Research has shown that these breaks can lead to reduced anxiety and depression levels.
Enhancing Self-Esteem and Confidence
Stepping out of the workplace for a sabbatical can be an opportunity to reflect on one’s accomplishments and future goals. It allows individuals to gain a sense of perspective and achievement, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Reigniting Passion
Over time, even the most passionate careers can become routine. A sabbatical offers the space to rediscover a passion for work or explore new interests. This renewed enthusiasm can lead to greater job satisfaction upon returning to work.
Building Resilience
Facing the unknown during a sabbatical, such as travelling to new places or starting a business, can help develop resilience. Overcoming challenges and adapting to new environments can be powerful lessons in personal growth.
Overcoming Fear and Uncertainty
Many people are apprehensive about taking a break from work due to financial concerns or fear of falling behind in their careers. However, confronting these fears and embracing the uncertainty of a sabbatical can be a transformative experience. It teaches us to navigate ambiguity and take calculated risks.
Gaining Perspective
Removing oneself from the daily grind allows for a broader perspective on life and work. It can lead to a greater appreciation for what one has and a clearer understanding of personal values and priorities.
Strengthening Relationships
Spending more time with family and friends during a sabbatical can strengthen personal relationships. This social support can be essential for mental and emotional well-being.
Increased Self-Awareness
A sabbatical encourages self-reflection and self-discovery. Many people come back from their break with a deeper understanding of themselves, their goals, and their life purpose.
Reducing Work-Related Stress
Research has shown that sabbaticals can lead to a significant reduction in work-related stress. The time away from the workplace allows employees to detach from work pressures and recharge mentally and emotionally.
That’s a whole lot of practical and psychological benefits. It’s clear to see that if not for the obvious financial obstacle, sabbaticals would be far more popular than they are.
Why Planned Sabbaticals Often Don’t Happen
In ‘Escape 101’, a book about sabbaticals by Dan Clemments, the author states that in his experience it isn’t the leaving that’s the problem. It’s the planning to leave that is the most difficult part.
The Sabbatical Project also highlighted the three most common barriers to a successful sabbatical: Cost, Optics and Responsibilities.
Cost
“How can I afford to take time away from earning an income, let alone pay for a long vacation?”
Optics
“What will my boss, peers, friends, and family think of me? What would I tell future employers?”
Responsibilities
“But I have a partner, kids, a mortgage, or a business that needs me here to handle it!”
How Long?
So, yes there are obstacles to overcome before being able to actually set off on this life-changing adventure.
But I’m convinced already. It’s happening!
If I’ve also managed to convince you that a sabbatical could just be what you need, then the next step is to decide on a few crucial things. The first thought that came to mind for me was the amount of time to dedicate to a sabbatical. The duration of a sabbatical can vary widely, from a few months to a year or more, depending on the individual’s circumstances and goals. I have no doubt that each person’s motives and situations are very different from the next. Hence, there is probably no right or wrong way.
For me, it is a decision of either 6 months or 1 year. But this is dependent upon many things, one of which is of course financial considerations. A shorter time period may be more practical for some.
Where?
Next might be the question of where to take your sabbatical. A sabbatical could just be time off work without changing location. But for most people, a change of location allows for a greater ability to truly detach the mind from work and other routines in order to get the greatest possible benefit of the time. Hence sabbaticals are generally associated with an overseas ‘escape’.
My current plan is for my sabbatical to either be in Thailand, Laos or the Philippines.
Once you have decided upon the length of time and the location, the crucial decision is what to do with your time. I love beaches, but even I could not be satisfied with 365 days of being a beach bum.
Sabbatical Possibilities
The word ‘possibilities’ is key here. Of course, they are endless. But you’ll want to be sure that you make the right choice. You don’t want to end your time with a weird sense of buyer regret.
Travel and Cultural Immersion
Why limit yourself to just one country? Exploring different countries and cultures can be a transformative experience. You can use your sabbatical to travel, learn new languages, and broaden your horizons.
Education and Skill Development
Enroll in courses or workshops to acquire new skills or further your education. This could be in fields related to your career or personal interests. Many of us find this difficult to do when working 9 to 5.
Volunteering and Philanthropy
Use your time to give back to the community through volunteering or working with non-profit organizations. This can be both fulfilling and also a great addition to your resume.
Start A Business
If you’re interested in online business, a sabbatical is an excellent time to start your venture. You can explore e-commerce, affiliate marketing, or other online opportunities. This could also be a chance to establish passive income for the time when you do eventually retire.
Writing and Creativity
If you have a passion for writing, painting, or any creative pursuit, a sabbatical can be the ideal time to nurture your artistic side and potentially turn it into a source of income.
Personal Health And Wellness
Focus on your physical and mental well-being by engaging in activities like yoga, meditation, or pursuing a healthier lifestyle. You can also take this time to recover from any health issues.
All of these motives, benefits and potential activities are great. But what if you want to make it truly transformational? Can we take things a little deeper?
Finding Your Personal Legend
Have you read the novel, ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho? In the story, Santiago, the protagonist embarks on a transformative journey in search of his Personal Legend. Essentially, a personal legend is one’s destiny. It’s identifying your purpose and having the desire to become the greatest version of yourself. The Alchemist” reminds the reader that life is an incredible journey filled with opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and transformation. A sabbatical can be your own quest for your Personal Legend. It offers a chance to step away from the ordinary, follow your heart, and pursue your dreams.
So, if you ever hear the call to embark on a sabbatical, remember the words of Santiago: “People learn what is their reason for being.” Your sabbatical may just be the catalyst for discovering yours. A sabbatical can offer you the opportunity to discover your own path, passion, and purpose in life.
Ikigai
“Ikigai” is a Japanese term that translates to “a reason for being” or “a reason to wake up in the morning.” It’s a concept deeply rooted in the idea that true happiness and fulfilment are found at the intersection of four fundamental elements:
1. What you love: Your passions and interests.
2. What you’re good at: Your skills and talents.
3. What the world needs: The things that society values and requires.
4. What you can be paid for: The intersection of your passion and income.
The balance between these four elements is where your Ikigai resides. It’s the sweet spot where you can experience a deep sense of purpose, joy, and meaning in your life. (It is also considered a major reason why life expectancy is so high in certain parts of Japan.) If you feel that you haven’t really found your ‘life’s purpose’ then taking a sabbatical just might help.
Just Do It (YOLO)
If the benefits outweigh the obstacles for you, then I think this is one of those big decisions that you might regret not making. Admittedly, not everyone is in a position to pull this off. But if you are, and if this will not send you bankrupt, and if you can’t find any more excuses not to do it. Then I say just do it.
However, if you do …. be warned. As many of my traveller friends say about the benefits of travel. You won’t necessarily find the meaning of life by simply packing up and travelling the globe. Sure, it may happen. But don’t expect it to solve all of your problems or to ‘enlighten’ you on its own. You need to do the hard part yourself.
Good luck. Let me know how it all goes.