The Power of Taking a Break: My Sabbatical Journey and Why You Should Consider One Too

After more than 15 successful years in the corporate wheel, having overseen more than $100 million closed in annual software revenue – most recently at Datadog – I've reached a crossroads many of us secretly face: the yearning for something deeper. It's time for a purposeful sabbatical.

The Science Behind Taking a Break

Research has increasingly underscored the importance of breaks. A Harvard Business Review article titled How to Take Better Breaks at Work, According to Research, reveals several key points:

1. Burnout: Alarmingly, 59% of employees face burnout, resulting in decreased performance and mental health issues.
2. Pause to Boost: More than 80 studies confirm that breaks can improve both well-being and productivity.
3. Micro-Breaks: Short, regular pauses can yield great results, while not being a replacement for longer breaks.
4. Nature Boost: Stepping outdoors or simply being in a green space can significantly recharge your mental batteries.
5. Furry Companions: Interacting with pets, especially dogs, can lower stress levels and enhance psychological well-being.

The bottom line? Breaks aren’t an indulgence; they’re essential for mental well-being and productivity.

Brené Brown, in her groundbreaking book Daring Greatly, captures a sentiment I — and perhaps many of us — often brushed aside in the hustle: the profound power of vulnerability and how it's closely tied to our sense of worthiness and innovation.

Her research reveals that allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, which can often happen during intentional breaks, leads to greater creativity and resilience. Embracing such moments of vulnerability can be transformative, rejuvenating our mental and emotional energies.

Learning from Others: Stefan Sagmeister’s Take

Stefan Sagmeister, in his insightful TED talk titled The Power of Time Off, makes a compelling case. He suggests taking a year off every seven years, sharing how these gaps supercharged his creativity and drive.

I was recommended this video when I started to talk about taking a break, and it significantly influenced my decision. Watch it!

Don't Wait: Take Daniel Pink's Advice

In The Power of Regret, Daniel Pink references a study revealing that among older adults, one of the most common regrets was not seizing the day and making the most of life's fleeting opportunities. In fact, as per his research, 76% of older adults expressed regret over not taking more risks to pursue their dreams earlier in life.

This serves as a stark reminder that postponing dreams until retirement can be a gamble. Acting now can lead to richer experiences and fewer life regrets.

Realistic Tips if a Long Break Isn't Possible for You

Not everyone can step off the treadmill immediately. If, like for many, a month-long break seems a dream too far, here are smaller, yet transformational steps to consider:

• Weekend getaways: Consider a quick trip into nature without distractions. Perhaps even with your phone on airplane mode?
• Days for yourself: Spend a weekday on personal growth. Every other Wednesday dedicated to your health?
• Daily time-off: Carve out a regular ‘me’ time. Employ techniques like Pomodoro to intersperse breaks and consider meditation apps such as Waking Up by Sam Harris.

My Personal Pledge to the Future

I’m taking a career break to recharge, gain new perspectives, and plot the course for what’s next:

• It’s more than a pause
• It’s an investment in myself and my family
• It’s an opportunity to make sure the next step is as exciting as the last

I am approaching my break with the theme Explore & Challenge (Swedish: Utforska & Utmana). This means intentionally spending quality time with those near and dear, planning for activities taking me out of my comfort zone, as well as revisiting things I have put on hold due to work and other priorities — like a bucket list with (hopefully) a happier ending.

Writing this, overlooking my garden, nostalgia strikes. Those boundless childhood summers return to me, echoing a time when every day felt like an adventure, untamed by corporate schedules.

Whereas now, I'm not sure where this will lead, it sure is going to be exciting!

Are you as curious as I am?

• Will I be climbing the walls in a few weeks or finding my hidden inner Zen?
• How did I handle the preparations and expectations for my break?
• How did I set up goals that align with my core values?
• How did I schedule my "off work" cadence?
• What will I do next?

And are you, maybe, interested in how you can do the same?

+ Follow me and let's find more meaning instead of just more money! ??

Closing Thoughts

Life is a blend of deliberate choices and moments of chance. My sabbatical represents my commitment to both. If my journey sparks any thoughts, consider exploring the benefits of intentional breaks for yourself.

If you have any questions about my sabbatical or are curious about what could be possible for you, please reach out. I've got time.

Have you ever taken a sabbatical or considered one? Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below!

PS. If you have suggestions on things I should be trying out, you are also welcome to share. I have already challenged myself to start singing again, am planning a week long solo hike, and have gone to a meditation retreat. More to come!

Life's too short not to take shots. What's your 'why' or what's been holding you back?