Confused About Your Next Steps? Take A Sabbatical

Most people, including myself, want a better quality of life.?Many people, including myself, want meaningful work.?To that end, many of my clients are exploring new work in a range of industries. ?Recently, I left my job to pursue entrepreneurship (turns out, I love it). ?Other clients have retired or left their jobs unexpectedly and sooner than anticipated because toxic work environments were negatively affecting their health.??

This sort of thing is happening within my diverse friend groups as well.?I also see it happening in my not so close but meaningful circles including those with whom I volunteer and those with whom I work out. ?We want something different than what we currently have.?We want something different than those in generations past. ?We are an evolving species so this is natural and normal. ?Although at some point, wanting external things stop and we focus more internally, but that is a topic for another day.

COVID has certainly been a driver of this desire for something else.?Many of us long to prioritize life with work as one part of the picture rather than prioritize work with little consideration for life. We think that by finding a new job, we can achieve this goal.?However, much of the time, this solution is not likely to solve the problem. Not right away anyway.?

Eventually, the new job is going to happen, but I encourage people to take a step back first (or at least while looking for a job) to determine what matters to you at this stage of your life. What is the life you want to create in the next five to seven years??Better yet, what is the life that is wanting to happen through you in the next five to seven years? (thank you Parker Palmer).?

This is where a sabbatical can be helpful.?Typically, sabbaticals are extended leave time from work.?They are generally reserved for scholars to take time away from school to focus on research, travel, and write. While most of us can’t take a sabbatical from work, we can prioritize the “leave” and “focus” aspects of a sabbatical.?

Here is what I suggest.?Designate a time (one month, three months, six months, one year) and choose a few things to take leave from and a few things to focus on during this time. This can help you gain clarity about how to best move forward in your life including what type of work to explore and life you want to live. ?Once you are clear, you can put a plan in place.

Many people are ready for a reset around health. They want a healthier lifestyle.?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” ?Health also involves emotional and spiritual well-being as well as community well-being.??

During your sabbatical, take leave from things that don’t support your health.?Focus on the things that help you be healthier.?In a healthier state, you can gain clarity and new insights about how you want to create your life and work.?If health is not your issue, choose something that is your particular concern.

Give yourself time to move forward.?Most of the time there is not a rush to leave a job right away. ?If you have left a job, be patient with your job search.?Seek support during the times you feel uncertain. You will find the right opportunity for you.

Below is how I am shaping my sabbatical. ?My situation is a bit different because I recently left a job and have fully stepped into my new job.?

My sabbatical is 10 months. It ends December 31, 2022. Unless, of course, my sabbatical life becomes my new life! ????

While on sabbatical, I am taking leave from the following things that are detracting from my health:

1.?????Saying yes to work that is not aligned with my mission.

2.?????Saying yes to too much work.

3.?????Deciding where to live permanently.

4.?????New relationships.

5.?????A new wardrobe. (thinking about this is affecting my mental health – thank you COVID weight gain).

6.?????Being busy and making extensive plans.

7.?????Spending money on unnecessary things (which happens to be most things)

8.?????Extensive travel.

9.?????Leaving my house more than is necessary. Ha! ???

While on sabbatical, I am focused on the following things that support my health: ?

1.?????Developing My Entrepreneurial Skills by Expanding My Coaching Practice

a. Connecting with people who want more meaningful work and fulfilling lifestyles.

b. Learning to manage the finances of my business.?Hello quickbooks. ?

c. Saying no to business that doesn’t align with the type of work I am focused on

or the lifestyle I am creating.?

2.?????A Healthy Lifestyle

a.?????Physical Well-Being

?????????????????i.?????Daily workouts at my cross fit gym.

?????????????????ii.?????Vegetarian lifestyle.

?????????????????iii.?????8-9 hours of sleep every night.

b.?????Mental/Emotional Well-Being

???????????????????i.?????Therapy: EMDR and Family Constellations.

c.??????Spiritual Well-Being

???????????????????i.?????Morning and evening meditation.

???????????????????ii.?????Reading spiritual books.

d.?????Community Well-Being

???????????????????i.?????Volunteer work in my local community.

e.?????Social Well-Being

???????????????????i.?????Maintaining my existing relationships.

???????????????????ii.?????Prioritizing family.

3.?????The Unknown

a.?????I am practicing living in the unknown. Surrendering to life. Stepping into unexpected opportunities. A grace driven life. Queue the angels and spirit-guides. Sound the trumpets. ???

4.?????Saving Money

a.?????For the things of life:?a house, experiences, vacation time, growth opportunities, giving to others, retirement. ???

A sabbatical can be a new and interesting way to think about moving forward in your life in ways that make you feel excited and energized.?I do find, however, I have to regularly remind myself that I am on this sabbatical.?It is easy to fall back into old patterns and ways of living.?We’ve been living the old way of life for so long. It is so easy to forget we want something different.?I hope this helps inspire you to do something different.?You are worth it.?

If this piece leaves you with questions or concerns, please reach out for a conversation. I’d be happy to help you think through your particular challenges and immediate next steps.

Kris Risley | https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/krisrisley/ | www.krisrisley.com | @kris.risley