Top 4 Insights From My One Month Sabbatical
After leaving my stable job last year, I took December off. Here are the top 4 insights from my long break.
1) There Are Things You Only See When You Slow Down
When I was busy working, I was never in the right cognitive state to ask big questions:
"What's really important to me?"
"Am I prioritizing the right things?"
"Am I happy with how I'm spending my time?"
Slowing down helped me zoom out and see a different perspective.
Better Late Than Never
Since graduating, I worked relentlessly to get ahead. It wasn't until I quit my job and slowed down that I realized, I hadn't seen my grandmother in 10 years.
My grandmother received me in the delivery room and took care of me while my parents were busy working; she practically raised me. When her health declined, she returned to South Korea, and I haven't seen her since.
The first thing I did during my "sabbatical" was to visit my grandmother. We shared a tearful reunion and made precious memories that I will forever hold dear.
2) Long Break Fuels Creativity
Your best ideas don't come when you're busy working – they come to you when you are walking in nature, practicing yoga, or enjoying a nice coffee.
Designer, Stefan Sagmeister, shuts down his studio for a full year every 7 years. He swears by the invaluable impact a sabbatical has on his creativity and work.
However, enhanced creativity doesn't just benefit artists. Whether you're a doctor, manager, or accountant, creative thinking often leads to breakthroughs. Bill Gates' "Think Week" is a perfect example:
Each year, Bill Gates disconnects from his work and life by going to a remote cabin in the woods for a week. With an empty schedule, surrounded by nature, Gates lets his mind wander freely. This has produced many of Microsoft's biggest breakthroughs.
My extended break gave me the time and space to think deeply. How can I build a stable career with only locum work? How can I increase my job satisfaction? By stepping away from the day-to-day work, I was able to find creative solutions to difficult questions.
3) Burnout Is Way More Costly Than Time Off
After my December break, I was excited to return to work. After I thoroughly explained the exam results, a patient remarked, "You clearly love your job."
When patients walk in, they can immediately sense one of two things from their doctor:
- "I’m overworked, stressed, and just trying to get through the day."
- "I’m proud of my work and excited to see you!"
Being burnt out will degrade the quality of your work, which will cost you much more in the long term.
Saying No To More Work Is Difficult
Even after blocking off December on my calendar, it was difficult to say no to work requests. "Working is more productive and profitable than time off," I'd tell myself. "Maybe I'll take a few extra shifts..."
According to data, knowledge workers (especially professionals) face an ever-increasing demand for work, which can lead to burnout.
Saying yes to more work is easy. Taking voluntary time off or saying no to extra shifts is much harder.
There's nothing wrong with dedicating much of your time to work, as long as you make a deliberate choice.
4) Self-Care Isn't Just For Myself
The extended break was exactly what I needed to recharge. I caught up on naps, got plenty of rest, and emptied my email inbox. But what surprised me was that prioritizing self-care didn't just benefit me, it also improved my relationships with my loved ones.
Taking care of myself made me a more patient, calm, and happier person to be around. In contrast, I remembered the times I felt anxious and burnt out when placing others' needs while neglecting self-care.
Prioritizing self-care has made me a better partner, son, neighbour, and optometrist.
Go Away So You Can Come Back Even Better
Taking a long break was a much-needed reset for my well-being, and to reflect on my life's priorities. I'm certain that it will be a transformative experience for you too!
A long sabbatical has its place, but I'll also be experimenting with 72-hour vacations in a new city once a month. The goal is to break the routine, stimulate the mind, gain new ideas, and recharge. Sign up for my newsletter to be in the loop!
Do you feel like there's a big gap between your ideal and current life? That's how I felt for years until I took action. Since leaving my full-time job, I've built a career I feel deeply passionate about, made more time for my loved ones, and began pursuing passion projects (like this blog!).
I created a practical guide filled with actionable, research-backed ideas to help you build the life you want – many of which helped me on my own journey.
The guide is free for members—and signing up is free! Join now to get your copy.
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