Why You Need a Zen Sabbatical—and How to Make It Happen
More and more colleagues, business partners, staff even friends are considering a ‘sabbatical’.
You might even be the one that is considering it next….or should be!
Many of you know someone that is on a sabbatical as you read this too.
But what is a sabbatical really all about? And when do you really need to consider yours?
Definition
The literal meaning for sabbatical is a “ceasing”.
A sort of rest from work. A break. Often lasting from two months to a year.
The concept of sabbaticals has a source running back thousands of years.
In more recent times, “sabbatical” has come to mean any extended absence in the career of an individual in order to achieve something.
In today’s marketplace corporates are even granting paid and unpaid sabbaticals for people wanting to take career breaks when the company wants to retain their top assets.
Up to 20% of companies in the UK have career break policies now with a further 50% more introducing likes.
This is real and a challenge in our current today. Something not to be ignored.
“A break”
Getting to the bottom of this definition, one concludes that sabbaticals “buy” time.
Time…. to catch-up on personal goals,
Time…. for other career goals not possible within current structure – or many other things etc ….
If you have enough time for the great balance between personal, family, career and other then no buying of any time is needed?
On the other hand – when you don’t! – and you feel so overwhelmed with the lack of true authenticity on a daily basis, how often do you think about how your life would look differently if you had that extra time?
The Balance
As human beings you are connected to your 5 foundations – body, spirit, self, relationships and career.
If you address all 5 at the same time and create equilibrium for all you should be the most ‘content’ person.
‘Content’ meaning happy and fulfilled.
It does not mean that you spend equal times of each. It does only mean that you consciously aware of make the shifts where needed to ensure all 5 are getting the attention they deserve in YOUR life.
This combination should look and be different from individual to individual because we are such unique beings.
In-balance
Unfortunately today’s race against time does not allow you to spend the much needed time on some of your foundations.
So if a sabbatical is a saving grace – what is the hell you are being saved from?
BURNOUT!
“Burnout”, experts say is your body’s wake up call telling you that your life and career are not sustainable as it is now.
Burning out tells you that your current way of operating at work and in your career has become untenable.
Very importantly – it indicates that:
– the story you have constructed about who you are,
– your purpose in being here and
– what gives you meaning
is no longer appropriate for the context in which you find yourself.
This is not necessary a bad thing.
If you commit to spend time on this and reclaim your agenda you can be on the best path yet.
Equilibrium
If you are able to create the balance (which is unique to every individual) you should not have to end in the place of desperate need of sabbatical or ‘off time’ to recharge.
The key is to know what your boundaries are before ‘burnout’ mode is reached within the space of contentment.
If you hit that spot, you should be able to master it.
How will it look differently from your today?
There will be lots of change.
Decide to be the driver of your change and not the passenger.
Be proactive about it – intentionally!
What will it take for your to embark on the journey to create that equilibrium?
What resources will you need?
What will you do to master even moments where you ‘stand out’ because of the findings and boundaries you discover for your own balance?
Go forth
If a sabbatical is needed to get it – please go for it!
If on the other hand you have had great insight today.
Put time aside to bring about the change and your sabbatical might only be needed to tick off the 5 bucket list items. That sounds exciting.
Good luck and despite the daunting journey, you do not need to embark by yourself.
Work with a professional like an executive coach and your growth and insights will be the best investment you ever took for yourself. And others in your world.
As published in leading business journal CFO.co.za.