the Sabbatical Project

When Rick Foerster stepped away from his role as an executive at a $2B public company, he had it all mapped out: take 3 months off, then launch his own startup. But what happened next surprised even him. After 12 years of climbing the corporate ladder, one simple question changed everything: "Why do I want this?” Rick's intended 3-month break to start a company evolved into a year long transformation that led him to become a writer. Key takeaways from Rick’s story: 1. Sometimes the most valuable outcome isn't what you initially planned 2. Stepping away from work can reveal how much of your identity is tied to your career 3. The most valuable insights often come when you allow yourself to completely disconnect. Curious about what might happen if you pressed pause? Read Rick's full story here: https://lnkd.in/ekzrp2VG

The Fear That Holds Many Back from Taking a Sabbatical There’s a quiet fear that lingers when considering a sabbatical: "Will I fall behind?" In a world that equates being busy with progress, stepping away feels like a risk. You wonder if future employers will see it as a career gap instead of a period of growth. You question whether the industry will evolve without you, whether you’ll struggle to reintegrate, or if you’ll regret stepping off the treadmill. But here’s what’s often overlooked: Professionals who take intentional pauses often return more valuable, not less. They come back with fresh perspectives, deeper clarity, and skills that a traditional career trajectory rarely allows space for. Through our research on sabbaticals, we’ve seen firsthand how they foster resilience, adaptability, and renewed purpose. These qualities make professionals stronger, not weaker.?The conversation around sabbaticals is growing, and many professionals are realizing they’re not alone in their questions, fears, or discoveries. If you're curious about others’ experiences or simply want to explore what a sabbatical might mean for you, join the conversation in our Facebook group (https://bit.ly/FB_sbbtcl) and LinkedIn group ( https://lnkd.in/ewDk2hRs) Have you taken a sabbatical? How did it shape your career?

First time at #SXSW for live podcast interview by Laurie Santos' The Happiness Lab from Pushkin Industries on Sabbaticals. Will be gathering for Sabbatical-curious at Waterloo Records in Austin, hosted by Caren Kelleher - swing by from 11-5pm tomorrow to meet up, live music and BBQ included ;) Anyone I should meet while I'm in Austin?

The people in your life are not going to take a break from work until their life breaks. Unless you give them permission. And the companies who could benefit by letting their employees (and C-levels) take time away from the office aren't going to do so unless they know it's okay to do. This Harvard Business Review Big Idea series is my attempt to give all people -- whether they're approaching it from a work or personal lens -- permission, inspiration, and a blueprint for how to make it happen in their life. If you've taken a sabbatical, but haven't spread the world about yours, please do. Either here in the comments, or with your own posts, or face to face with people looking to take the leap. Our research is clear that folks need permission to take a sabbatical; only you know what's in store for them on the other side. There's more to do in order to normalize extended leave, but for those who are looking to get their ideas out into the world, here's how doing so looked for me: My road up to this point was a seven-year overnight success. The journey included burning out from my startup, failing to get a book deal, getting rejected from academic journals twice, and eventually starting from scratch by sending a newsletter that only went out to 250 friends and family. To have the research and personal experiences of hundreds of sabbatical takers in this article represents a huge undertaking from my collaborators and early believers, especially Kira Schabram, Matt and Laura Giurge. But also from the many many folks and companies I've spoken to since 2018. I hope I've done your stories justice! Harvard Business School https://lnkd.in/egm69fed #sabbatical #futureofwork

Big update: I'm writing this spring's Big Idea article for Harvard Business Review on sabbaticals. Need your help filling out our research survey below! As part of this project, we're creating the first database about companies who have sabbatical policies. Why they do, what prevents them from putting them into place, and what happens to individuals and companies when they provide them to employees. We're also looking to learn more about people who have taken sabbaticals and folks who aspire to. Your story can be included in the article. ? ? To do this, we need your thoughts in our 5-15 minute survey - link in comments ? We’re hoping to build a world where sabbaticals are a normal, equitable and transformative part of our working world -- would love your help normalizing them by sharing your experiences, concerns, and corporate success stories. Thanks for the help Laura Giurge and Bryce Fuemmeler!! cc Harvard Business School and the Sabbatical Project #sabbatical #research

As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on milestones, successes, and challenges. But amidst it all, there’s one question we rarely stop to ask:?Who am I? Beyond the titles, achievements, and to-do lists, what truly defines you? Year end is the perfect time to pause, recalibrate, and consider whether the life you’re building aligns with who you are at your core. For many, a sabbatical becomes the turning point. Curious about what a sabbatical could do for you? Joel’s journey could spark your own. Read his story here: https://lnkd.in/eeHac56x

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