the Sabbatical Project

Joel spent years as an engineer at one of Africa’s leading logistics firms, building his expertise in an industry critical to economic growth. But in 2021, he chose to step back, not to pause, but to expand his vision. Over six months, Joel traveled across Cameroon, connecting with local entrepreneurs and learning about the unique challenges and opportunities they faced. This journey sparked a powerful shift in perspective: real innovation comes from understanding the unique challenges of the people you aim to serve. Here are three key insights from Joel’s story: 1. Sometimes, stepping outside of your daily work reveals where your expertise is truly needed. 2. Connecting with local communities can change how you see your industry’s impact. 3. Sabbaticals aren’t just breaks, they can be powerful catalysts for discovering new ways to serve your community. For Joel, this journey was more than a career break; it was the start of a new mission. Read more about Joel’s story here: https://lnkd.in/eeHac56x

See founder DJ DiDonna's latest Harvard Business Review piece on gap years - and how graduating seniors can think about the tradeoff between going straight to school versus taking a break. Would love to hear from any gap year alums in the comments about their experience!

These questions might sound familiar. They're the same ones that echo in the minds of countless professionals before taking their leap into a sabbatical. But here's what we've learned from our community of sabbatical takers: The biggest regrets often come not from taking the break, but from waiting too long to take it. Your career isn't a sprint—it's a marathon. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is press pause to press forward. What's holding you back from your sabbatical journey? Share with us below.

Jackson Kerchis turned pivotal transition moments into transformative adventures by taking sabbaticals before and after college. Instead of following the usual trajectory, he ventured off the beaten path to uncover deeper meaning and growth. Pre-College: Jackson took a bold step by immersing himself in the vibrant cultures of Costa Rica and Portugal. He did not just learn new languages; he immersed himself in different cultures, gaining profound insights that shaped his worldview. Post-College: His quest for understanding led him to the Zen Monastic Life in San Francisco, where he integrated meditation and mindfulness into his daily routine. This period of reflection inspired him to write a book. Jackson approached his decisions with a focus on minimizing future regret. He weighed whether he’d regret taking a break, even if things did not go as planned. For him, the greater fear was looking back and regretting never having taken the chance to explore beyond the usual path. This mindset helped him overcome the anxiety of missing out and find the courage to step off the beaten path. His story reveals that sabbaticals are not just for mid-career; they are a powerful tool for personal development at any stage. Discover how taking a step back can lead to growth and fresh perspectives. Read more about Jackson’s journey here: https://lnkd.in/d4Vxeqvy

In the drive to achieve our professional ambitions, we often push ourselves beyond our limits without recognizing the toll it takes. It's only when we allow ourselves the space to rest that we truly understand the extent of our exhaustion. Rest isn’t merely about taking a break, it’s crucial for sustaining long-term productivity and clarity. In a culture that values constant activity, acknowledging the need for rest is an important step towards maintaining our well-being and effectiveness. How do you identify when it's time to rest, and what strategies do you use to recharge? Share your approaches to balancing professional demands with self-care.

Who else is guilty of sneaking a peek at work emails while on sabbatical? ??♀? Let’s be real: sometimes the urge to 'just check' is strong! The struggle is real, but remember: a true sabbatical means unplugging from the grind and letting your inbox go on vacation too #SabbaticalStruggles

What if you could hit pause on your life and completely redefine it? Kira did, and she never looked back. She left her corporate job, sold everything, and relocated to Mexico. While Kira's 26-week sabbatical to reinvent her life may not be everyone's path, her journey underscores a universal truth: trust the process. Kira's story offers powerful insights: 1. Kira didn't just step back; she stepped out of her comfort zone entirely and boldly embraced the unknown, demonstrating that the most transformative changes often require the biggest leaps of faith. 2. Even when it feels unconventional, trusting the process can lead you to unexpected fulfillment in your sabbatical journey. 3. After her sabbatical, Kira didn't just return to work; she designed a life where her career and well-being don't compete but thrive. Could a sabbatical change your life, too? Discover Kira's story here: https://lnkd.in/dgc6aTpV

When Bency’s entrepreneurial aspirations took a different direction and burnout hit hard, he took a radical 'creative sabbatical.' Ditching business for art, he revisited his artistic roots and found solace in the wilds of England and Africa. With no social media, just nature and intense self-reflection, he emerged transformed. Key Takeaways from Bency’s Story: 1. Sometimes, burning out is the best wake-up call to change the trajectory of our lives. 2. By embracing his artistic side, Bency learned that creativity thrives outside the confines of conventional success, which often forces us to adhere to societal conventions. 3. True growth comes from embracing discomfort and change, even though it may not be easy. Read his story here: https://lnkd.in/eevWD_B7 Check out our Facebook community for more support on your sabbatical journey: https://lnkd.in/ekzzc3Mz

What exactly qualifies as a sabbatical? Let’s debunk some myths!

I was recently guest co-hosted Slate Magazine's 'How To' podcast. The host Courtney Martin's sabbatical story is worth sharing, because it helps debunk some myths, and reinforce beliefs I have about sabbatical best practices: 1?? You don't have to go anywhere exotic Courtney largely stayed near home, venturing into regional nature, and practicing "household arts" like gardening, etc. Your time off doesn't need to be epic - it just needs to be non-work activities 2?? You don't need to take longer than a month or two She took two months, which as it is for most people, seems like an impossibly long amount of time, and it flew by. Will she try to take more time off next time? Yes. Is two months "enough"? Any amount of extended leave is better than just a vacation -- our research indicates it can take up to ~6-8 weeks just to get into the place to start deeper transformation, so I recommend 4-9 months, ideally. But less is fine. Just ensure disconnection from routine work, and experiment with what you can. 3?? Advanced planning = less expensive, more achievable Courtney took two months off as a freelancer by planning ahead, surveying the landscape for financial support to help, and putting in the time to enable her work to continue in her absence. She told everyone who depends on her work, and her substack community continued to support her while she was away, despite not posting. You'd be surprised what's possible if you commit to it, and communicate it to others. Links to Courtney's posts in the comments - thanks for having me on! https://lnkd.in/dKS8kHnf #sabbatical