Taking a sabbatical: The Courage to Pause
In a society where the hustle culture reigns supreme, the idea of taking a sabbatical can often feel like a distant fantasy. However, sabbaticals offer far more than just an extended vacation; they represent a purposeful break (sometimes planned and sometimes unplanned) from the constant hustle and bustle of life, providing an opportunity for individuals to realign and reconnect with themselves. Research published in Harvard Business Review emphasizes how sabbaticals can lead to increased creativity, improved work performance, and a renewed sense of purpose upon returning to work. The research underscores the importance of organizations embracing sabbaticals as a valuable tool for employee well-being and productivity.
This month we spoke to four courageous individuals who took the plunge and challenge societal norms and expectations, in turn finding themselves growing personally and professionally..
Preparation is Important
"We spoke to our employers, looked at our finances, and made sure we were in a good place workwise.”
- Franki Crosse, Head of Venture Talent at Rainmaking
Before plunging into a career break or sabbatical, it's important to prepare thoroughly. This includes financial planning, as well as having an idea of what you hope to achieve during this break.
Adrian Tan, a dad with 3 kids highlighted the importance of financial planning: "I looked through my expenditure for the past year, averaged it out, multiplied by 6 to 9 months, and knew I had enough savings to support my lifestyle without income."
Franki Crosse also emphasized the need for preparation: "I reckoned it took us about six months of thought process to convince ourselves that now's the time. We spoke to our employers, looked at our finances, and made sure we were in a good place workwise."
“And there is no harm in checking with your employer if they will offer you a paid sabbatical or at least a guaranteed job upon your return”, chimes Shi Hui Tan.
Marianne Stengel was fortunate enough. "I had known this redundancy was coming for a long time because it was this massive restructure so I had time to plan for it."
From Comfort Zone to Unknown Territories
Embarking on a sabbatical often means venturing into uncharted territory and leaving behind the familiar comforts of everyday life.
For Franki, it entailed backpacking across Asia, a departure from her usual corporate routine in London.
Similarly, Marianne found herself delving into the fascinating realm of archaeology in Orkney Islands.
Reflecting on stepping out of her comfort zone, Shi Hui shares her journey: "I ventured to China and delved into content creation on TikTok. It was a fresh experience, a new skill set, and it broadened my perspective."
Meanwhile, Adrian, once a teacher, took a leap of faith by relocating his entire family to Vietnam to explore entrepreneurship.
Lessons Learned: Growth Amidst Uncertainty
"This career break has helped me realize that I don’t have to follow a linear career path. I can have a portfolio career, doing freelance work that I enjoy while still pursuing my interests."
- Shi Hui Tan, former Associate Director of Investments
Amidst the uncertainty that often accompanies a sabbatical, there are valuable lessons to be learned. Franki’s experiences taught her resilience and adaptability, valuable skills that she could later apply as she took the leap of faith to relocate to Asia.
Interestingly, Adrian's Sabbatical experiences led him to recalibrate his identity beyond societal roles. He learned to detach his sense of self-worth from external factors like job titles or financial stability. This introspection helped him navigate midlife challenges and mental health issues,
Shi Hui also shared her growth during her career break: "This career break has helped me realize that I don’t have to follow a linear career path. I can have a portfolio career, doing freelance work that I enjoy while still pursuing my interests."
Positive Impact on Career and Life Choices
Contrary to common misconceptions, a sabbatical can positively impact one's career. By providing space for reflection and self-discovery, it can lead to more informed career and life choices.
As Adrian found, his sabbatical allowed him to dream big and reshape his career, even with a family in tow, opening his and his wife’s minds to new possibilities. In Franki's case, her sabbatical experience significantly influenced her decision to relocate to Singapore, a move she may not have contemplated otherwise.
Shi Hui, on the other hand, found a new interest in digital content creation during her sabbatical. She said, "I stumbled into the whole digital content creation when documenting her adventures on Tiktok earned her a following of 8k+ and counting! So that was quite meaningful and might impact my career choices since I now know I have this skill”
Advice for Those Considering a Sabbatical
“half a day away from the job and do some intentional reflection and these micro sabbaticals can be personal growth moments too.”
- Marianne Stengel, Head of HR at Ascential
For those considering a sabbatical, the interviewees offer the following advice:
Be intentional: Have clear objectives for your sabbatical and ensure that it aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Plan strategically: Consider the financial implications and prepare for the transition both before and after the sabbatical.
Embrace the adventure: Be open to unexpected experiences and learning opportunities and dare to dream big
Reflect and learn: Use this time for self-reflection and personal growth.
Marianne emphasizes that while she feels fortunate to have the freedom to pursue this opportunity, she acknowledges that not everyone may have the same luxury. Financial obligations, family responsibilities, and other life circumstances can significantly impact an individual's ability to take time off from work. However, she believes that everybody can schedule half a day once a quarter away from the job and these micro sabbaticals can be personal growth moments too.
How Should a Sabbatical Feature on Your CV
“use it as a platform to showcase your growth and learning during that period."
- Adrian Tan, former startup BD Manager at AWS
The way you present a sabbatical on your CV can significantly influence employers' perceptions. It's essential to highlight the skills and experiences gained during this period rather than just the break in employment.
As Adrian advises, "Don't be afraid to include your sabbatical experience on your CV. Instead, use it as a platform to showcase your growth and learning during that period."
Should companies consider offering sabbaticals as an employee benefit?
Employers offering paid or unpaid sabbaticals as part of employee benefits has its pros and cons. On the positive side, providing sabbaticals demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, fostering loyalty and morale within the workforce. It can also attract top talent seeking opportunities for personal growth and work-life balance, enhancing the employer's reputation as an employer of choice. Additionally, as shown in the experience of our interviewees, sabbaticals offer the chance for employees to return to work refreshed and reinvigorated, bringing new perspectives and skills to the organization. However, there are challenges as offering paid sabbaticals can strain the company's finances, particularly for smaller businesses. There may also be concerns about potential disruptions to team dynamics and productivity.
In conclusion, A career break or sabbatical can be a transformative experience, leading to significant personal growth and development. It offers an opportunity to reassess your career and life goals, explore new interests, and step out of your comfort zone. As our interviewees have shown, with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a truly enriching journey.