Take a Sabbatical, You Deserve It
Author
Thomas Wiest
CEO, Aspirience Home Care
For many of us, the notion of ‘going on sabbatical’ is surrounded by an air of mystery. We might not be entirely sure what sabbaticals are, but we’re pretty sure they’re reserved for professors, scholars, and the like. At least, that’s what I remember from my college days where a few of my professors were ‘gone on sabbatical’. This is too bad, because taking a sabbatical sounds real appealing.
In reality, sabbaticals are not exclusive to the academic world. They’re available in a wide variety of professions. Even if they are not part of your company’s formal policy, some version of a sabbatical may be possible, particularly if you’re a highly valued employee.
So what exactly is a sabbatical? Essentially, it’s an extended, voluntary time away from the customary responsibilities of work. Whether it be for a few weeks or a few months, it offers a unique opportunity to reflect on your life and career, or to complete research and deep thinking that may not be possible amid the hustle and bustle of normal work life. Unlike a vacation, a sabbatical has a purpose to it.
The idea is that by removing yourself from your daily demands and responsibilities, you’ll gain new insights, ideas and perspectives that allow you to come back all the smarter and stronger. Many employers recognize that sabbaticals can be a great antidote to employee burnout and that they help shape better workers who are more energized, inspired, committed and engaged. Negotiating a sabbatical with your employer may be easier than you think, given its many benefits.
After researching this concept further, the term ‘sabbatical’ dates back to the Biblical phrase Sabbath year, which refers to the practice of letting farmland go unused once every seven years so it can replenish itself again to bear a harvest. Similarly, sabbaticals are meant to replenish our soul, mental and creative reserves.
You’ll probably get the greatest benefit from your sabbatical if you use the time both to rest, getting plenty of sleep and to reawaken your sense of curiosity, gain new skills and get fresh new insights to your world around you.
It’s important to know, you can take a sabbatical, on your own time and in your own way, with the right home care provider.