The Power of Pause: Embracing a Sabbatical for Personal and Professional Development

Ever since I shared the news of my sabbatical, I received numerous calls from dear friends and ex-colleagues who are considering the idea themselves. I wanted to share my thought process behind embarking on a sabbatical and provide some advice for those who are considering it, along with concrete examples of the steps I am taking. Taking a #sabbatical is a decision that should be made thoughtfully and purposefully to make the most out of the experience.

Here is my list:

1. Know why you want a sabbatical: Most people I speak with can clearly articulate what they don't want to do. They are frustrated with their current job and are ready to quit. However, when I ask them what they intend to do during their sabbatical, they don't have a clear answer. As the saying goes, "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." If you are unhappy with your current job, take some time for introspection to identify what you don't like about it. The answer may involve having a candid conversation with your leadership to bring about some changes, exploring an intra-company move, or finding another job that aligns more with your interests. If you enter a sabbatical with the wrong motive, you may risk losing your sense of identity and erode your professional edge. My sabbatical planning was deliberate and intentional. It involved a great deal of introspection, conversations with my mentors, and a jolt of inspiration from this very thoughtful and timely article by Girish Rishi . In the end, the pull towards where I wanted to go was so strong that the choice became obvious. In terms of priorities, I focus on (1) family time, (2) social impact, (3) checking off bucket list items, and (4) professional development.
2. Plan your financials and your runway: One major concern for many is the loss of a steady paycheck and the potential risk of future earning potential. To address this, it's important to have a robust financial plan, know where you stand with your financial goals, and be aware of your financial runway. How long can you go without a paycheck? Is it 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or indefinitely? The answer varies for each individual. Age and health are also variables at play. However, complete #financialindependence is not a prerequisite for embarking on a sabbatical, especially for those in early to mid career. I know quite a few who took a break in the middle of their #career by carefully considering their financial runway and returning to work. It's essential to have your family with you on this, as having your spouse or partner onboard is crucial.
3. Exit gracefully from your current role: When embarking on a sabbatical, there is often no immediate timeline pressure. With time on your side, you can be more flexible in working with your current employer on a transition plan to ensure you leave the team in a good position. Our professional world is small, and our reputation precedes us. Therefore, a graceful and thoughtful exit is essential if at all possible. Besides, you owe it to your company that served as a platform for your career and to the colleagues who have supported you along the way.
4. Gain experiences and build memory dividends: In the highly provocative book "Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life," author Bill Perkins introduces the notion of life being about making memories. He cautions against deferring experiences and suggests spending money on life experiences earlier to allow more time for the memories to last and compound. I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in Japan, traveling with my son, creating a lifetime of memories and experiences. I have more exciting travels planned for the future. Each of us have our own bucket list, and a sabbatical is a perfect time to check some of those off. In fact the experiences you build during this time, can make you a far more interesting person overall.
5. Put your skills to work in making the world a better place: I have immersed myself in non-profit work, supporting causes I believe in, particularly in education and community development. I do this through volunteering organizations I admire, led by like-minded individuals. I am contributing through fieldwork as well as lending my expertise in strategy and planning. The skills we acquire as business operators and practitioners are incredibly valuable in the nonprofit space. There are countless problems in the world waiting to be solved, and the available hands, minds, and hearts are limited. They need your time, talent, and treasure. Through my sabbatical, I have the flexibility to contribute my time and expertise, beyond providing financial support to these causes.
6. Aim for exponential #professionalgrowth: One concern I often hear is, "Will I be as sought after in the job market once I take a break?" The answer depends on what you do during your sabbatical. I took stock of the things that brought me immense joy in my professional career and decided to focus on them. These include - learning new things, sharing my knowledge and educating others, helping them grow, networking, and travel. Now, I have more time to engage in all of the above. As for learning, I am focusing on the intersection of #supplychain and #AI. I continue to read books and explore the viewpoints of respected individuals in the supply chain field. As for AI, I am pursuing structured coursework and earning certifications besides listening to podcasts. Beyond these professional pursuits, I am expanding my horizons by learning Spanish and reading about history.

In summary, leaving a well-paying job to take a break is much more than a financial calculation. It's about developing the right mindset. I am an endurance bicyclist, and during my 100-mile rides, I take breaks and rest stops. During these breaks, I stretch, nourish myself with good nutrition, and prepare for the next hill to climb. Our career is no different. It requires breaks, whether short or long. If approached with proper planning and mindset, an extended break in the form of a sabbatical has the potential to reinvent oneself and perhaps even alter one's life trajectory. But remember to do it with intention and purpose!