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If you’re feeling burned out, restless, or need a change, it might be time to consider taking a sabbatical. A sabbatical is a prolonged work break, typically lasting from a few months to a year. While it may seem like an impossible dream to take that much time off, there are many benefits to taking a sabbatical.
Here are just a few of them.
You’ll Return Recharged and Ready to Work
When you’ve worked the same job for years, it’s easy to fall into a rut. You become so used to the day-to-day grind that you no longer feel challenged or motivated. Taking a sabbatical can allow you to leave your work and come back with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of purpose. Not only will you be recharged and ready to tackle your job enthusiastically, but you may also find new ways to approach old problems.
You’ll Have Time for New Pursuits
A sabbatical provides the perfect opportunity to pursue interests that you’ve been putting on the back burner. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano or speak French. Or perhaps you want to start that podcast you’ve been thinking about. Whatever it is, use your sabbatical as a chance to expand your horizons and try something new.
Get a Chance to Reflect on Your Career Path
When you’re in the thick of things, it can be challenging to step back and assess your career path as a whole. But when you have some distance from your work, it becomes much easier to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go next. Use your sabbatical as an opportunity for introspection and professional reflection. You may find that you want to make a complete change or just tweak a few things about your current situation. Either way, returning from your sabbatical with clarity about your career goals will be incredibly valuable.
A sabbatical can be an enriching experience, both professionally and personally. If you’re feeling stuck, taking some time off might be what you need. Use this extended break from work to recharge your batteries, pursue new interests, be reflective, spend time alone, spend time with loved ones, travel, and read books…whatever feeds your soul, heart, and mind! You may find that taking a sabbatical was one of your best decisions!
