Rest is Resistance: A How-To on Taking a Sabbatical

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare,” Audre Lorde, A Burst of Light.

We’ve co-authored this piece because we both have experience in taking sabbaticals. And while our relationship to and experience with sabbaticals are very different, we both understand a common thread: they are nourishing, necessary, and perspective-shaping. They are self-preservation.?

We live in a constant ebb and flow of evolution in this sea of change. The markets are volatile, and many of you are experiencing personal shifts, burnout, seasons of transformation, and, unfortunately, layoffs. These points of inflection can be a powerful time for growth and introspection.

With that said, our message is: you should take a sabbatical. And we hope by the time you are finished reading this, you will have context on why, and the courage to consider embarking on the journey with us.

What is a sabbatical?

To put it simply, a sabbatical is an extended period of time away from work. Some might argue that you should just take paid time off, especially if you’re at an organization that offers unlimited. The difference is intent. Many of us can experience shame, guilt, or overall worry when taking time off for several reasons, including financial and familial obligations, job security concerns, or workload and time constraints. We are the byproduct of a productivity-driven capitalistic culture. So simply put, many of us don’t and won’t experience time off fully focused on rest or restoration. Essentially we fit our life into work versus fitting work into holistic living.?

It is important to note that sabbaticals can take shape in different ways. If you are very lucky, they can be sponsored and supported (paid or unpaid by your employer). But other times, they might be the byproduct of a resignation or a layoff. The most important part to remember is that sabbaticals are spacious in both time and intention. When considering a sabbatical, tailor it to your specific context, needs, and goals. You have the power to shape it.

Why take one??

Research shows that sabbaticals can be an antidote to burnout and improve performance overall (who doesn’t want that?). A Harvard Business Review study found that sabbaticals can increase productivity and creativity upon return to work and improve overall well-being and job satisfaction. The American Psychological Association found that sabbaticals can improve mental health and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that taking a sabbatical can improve employees’ sense of control over their work, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving skills. Point being, the data proves that sabbaticals are closely tied to overall wellness.?

And more importantly, take one because you deserve to be well. A sabbatical can be time well spent discovering or rediscovering what well looks like for you. Many cultures globally have beautiful traditions and rituals for wellness that can help inspire:?

• Japanese: In Japan, the practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or forest bathing, promotes the restorative power of nature and encourages rest and relaxation through immersion in natural surroundings.
• South American: Many South American cultures, such as those in Brazil and Argentina, value relaxation and rest as a part of their lifestyle, with the concept of “siesta” is widely recognized and practiced.
• Indian: In India, the practice of yoga and meditation is an integral part of the culture and emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation for mental and physical health.

How we navigate our relationship to ourselves and work: Identity, self-worth, and work

The more we are honest with ourselves, the more we grow. Why? Because when we are honest with ourselves, we see ourselves more clearly. And when we see ourselves more clearly, we know when to pivot, shift, or change.?

A conversation about taking time away from work requires honest dialogue about how work shapes identity and sometimes self-worth. “Your occupation should not determine the value you place on your life.” A sabbatical is an opportunity to define your life and see your own value outside of the context of work. For many high achievers, work can challenge health and well-being:?

• Burnout: High achievers may work long hours and push themselves to the brink of exhaustion, leading to burnout. This dynamic can negatively impact mental health and self-worth.
• Difficulty delegating: High achievers may struggle with delegating tasks to others and may feel they need to do everything themselves to maintain control. This can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed and overworked.
• Comparison to others: High achievers may compare themselves and feel they are not measuring up. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.

Rest is productive. And if you are motivated by the anti-capitalist movement, deprioritizing work is one of the most potent ways you can practice this value system shift.

If you are unsure whether it is time to take a sabbatical, here are a couple questions to ask yourself to jumpstart the internal dialogue:

• Do you feel that your life and work align with your values?
• Are you investing your time and energy in what you value most?
• Are you feeling exhausted or energized by your work?
• Do you need a fresh perspective or a diversity of experience?
• Are you feeling called to travel and/or explore?
• Are you a. deeply unhappy or dissatisfied with your work and b. has it still not improved even with a sincere effort to change it?
• Do you feel like you are constantly sacrificing your health, well-being, or sense of self for the sake of work?
• Have you experienced a major shift or transition like a move, lay-off, etc that might require some down time for rest and reflection?

Be honest with yourself about the pattern you see in the answers to these questions.

How do you plan for a sabbatical??

This is a good, important, and difficult question. It’s not necessarily going to be easy, but many challenging experiences are very worth it.?

• Plan ahead: Ideally, you want to start planning, budgeting, and saving for your sabbatical well in advance. Be sure to include some buffer and runway; should you choose to extend or run into unexpected financial obligations, you want to be prepared as best you can. If you have received a severance after a layoff, be honest about whether you need the time off. If yes, spend some time reflecting on if it is something you can afford to do. Sacrifices in one area can yield significant benefits in others. You would be surprised what you can manage to pull off with a bit of creativity.?Acknowledge that being unemployed or not generating income is an uncomfortable place to be financially, but thoughtful and strategic planning can help mitigate the discomfort of the uncertainty.
• Negotiate with your employer: Some employers offer sabbaticals as part of their benefits package (paid or unpaid). If you are curious, start by reviewing the employee handbook (if there is one) or benefits information. If your employer offers this, talk to your HR department about the details and eligibility requirements. Also, explore your options for a leave of absence. In this current economic climate, some organizations offer voluntary severance options. If you are self-employed or freelance, you can also take a break. Investing time in identifying available options is a great place to start. But remember, you do not need anyone’s permission to prioritize your needs. If you are not finding an option that works for you, it is ok to leave.?
• Consider part-time work: taking on part-time or freelance gigs can help you cover your expenses. Places like Upwork, Fiverr, and FlexJobs have many great opportunities and can help you tap into your creative self!

How do you structure the time off??

Your time off can still be very productive. Mapping out a roadmap/goals for your sabbatical is an excellent way to ensure you get the most out of the time. Setting an intention will ensure you leave the time feeling renewed:

• Decide on a tentative length for the time off, then divide it into thirds: time spent transitioning out of your work, time spent focusing on your intention, and time spent exploring new opportunities and transitioning out of the sabbatical (remember that it takes at least a few weeks to a couple months to find a new opportunity)
• Take this time to cultivate new wellness and self-care rituals; what are some of the things you’ve neglected or might be missing in your life? Can you bring more attention to how you start and end your day, to being present with your family or community?
• Get plenty of rest; it is ok to sleep?
• Learn something new, focus on self-development, consider getting a certification for a role you want to take on next or start to learn a new language?- a sabbatical is prime time for skill development!
• Feel whatever you feel, don’t fight it?
• Get some perspective?
• Travel
• Leave your sabbatical with a clear and sustainable definition of what wellness means for you, and remember that it is deeply personal?

Returning to work after a sabbatical

• Plan ahead: Before returning to work, take some time to reflect on your sabbatical and think about how you can apply what you learned to your work. Consider what new skills or insights you gained and how you can use them to be more effective in your job. Capture what you’ve learned about yourself, how you navigate stress and downtime, what energizes you and what drains your energy, and what you value and want to prioritize. These learnings can help you reenter the workforce with a renewed sense of self and a healthy relationship to work.?
• Communicate with your employer: Talk to your employer before you return to work to clarify expectations and to better understand the organizational culture. This helps ensure a smoother transition back to work.
• Stay connected: Stay in touch with colleagues, coworkers and collaborators during your sabbatical, and continue to build and maintain relationships with them when you return to work. This helps ensure a more seamless transition, makes you feel more connected, and builds community. One of the goals of a sabbatical can (and should) be to reevaluate your relationship to your work. Be compassionate with yourself. It may take some time to return to your usual work pace, if you return at all. That is ok. Be patient, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you need a little extra time to readjust. If it feels different now, that signals internal growth and progress.

“Revolution begins with the self, in the self.” Toni Cade Bambara??

We want to hear from you! If you have questions about this, or more specific questions about our personal sabbaticals, our approach, or what comes next, pop them in the comments below!