One of the most beneficial things you can do for your career is also one of the least discussed topics. Of course, I’m talking about taking a sabbatical. Before we move any further, let’s define the term. A sabbatical is an extended leave, usually lasting anywhere from three months to a year. A sabbatical is more than an extended vacation or time to rest; a sabbatical is time to grow and invest in yourself and in your career. Some people take writing sabbaticals, in which they take a few months off of work to write a book. Others take a few months to go live in another country and learn the language. Regardless of the specifics, a sabbatical is a time to develop your skills and cultivate new habits in your life. A sabbatical is not just about rest, it’s about restoration. They provide an opportunity to refocus and rediscover the things that you are passionate about. When you invest in your personal growth by taking a sabbatical, you create the space to do the things you’ve never been able to do. This extended break has the potential to completely change your life and your career, but only if you approach it in the right way. The way you prepare for your time off will determine the success you find. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to take your sabbatical. [bctt tweet="A sabbatical is not just about rest, it’s about restoration." username="dukematlock"]
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Communicate with your leaders.
Be careful not to burn bridges or create conflict as you seek to take this time away. Explain to the leaders at your organization your reasons for wanting some time off and help them to understand what you plan to accomplish. The idea of taking an extended amount of time away from your job may seem foreign or unnecessary to others; be sure to make your case with positivity and energy. Remember, a sabbatical is not a chance to hide from your challenges or difficulties at work; instead, it is an opportunity to grow and develop.
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Make a plan.
Create a list of goals and objectives; identify the things that you would like to accomplish with this time. Once you have identified the goals, you can map out the steps necessary to achieve these goals. When you have a plan, you will avoid wasting any time trying to figure out what you should be doing.
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Commit.
When you take your leave, really take your leave. Avoid the temptation to be constantly on your phone or engaged with the office through emails. Technology will make it incredibly easy to remain involved with what is going on at work, so be sure guard this time. You don’t need to completely fall off the grid, but you do need to disengage. Commit to making the most of this opportunity to grow.
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Check in.
This step may sound as though it is in conflict with the previous step, but it really is not. You do need to commit and disengage, but you cannot forget about your life altogether. Some articles suggest that checking in every 3-4 weeks will help you to stay in tune with what is going on without feeling like you need to take control.
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Return with vision.
The best way to make the most of your sabbatical is to return to work better than you were when you left. Come back ready to work; have fresh vision for your organization or department and have a few ideas for ways you can accomplish those goals.
