The Sabbatical Project: Category: Personal Stories

Elle Finds Freedom to Explore

After experiencing burnout, grief and a detachment from her identity, Elle sets out on a sabbatical to travel, explore, and reconnect to herself.

I knew there had to be more out there… I had to give myself permission to do all the things I had previously told myself I couldn’t or shouldn’t.

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30s-40sFemaleHealing/burnout

Milena Designs Her Sabbatical

Milena leverages her design thinking and strategic skills to plan a 12-week sabbatical miles away from home.

I took 3 months off of my work without pay and so did my partner. We saved up for 6 months in advance… using my design thinking brain when planning a sabbatical turned out to be a good thing.

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20s-30s30s-40sCareer change

Carol-Ann’s 2-Year Sabbatical

Carol-Ann is no stranger to sabbaticals and she recognized the signs that she needed a break — only this break would be her longest sabbatical yet.

When you can experience your life in the absence of stress, when you disengage auto-pilot, there is an opportunity to be the best version of yourself and to live your life intentionally.

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30s-40s50s+C-level

Cinzia’s Career-Changing Sabbatical

From structuring derivatives to teaching about longevity and happiness, Cinzia’s incredible story shows how she made changes and found meaning for her life.

My sabbatical made me realize that I could not work for a company just to make money. I needed to have an impact and find meaning through my work.

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30s-40s50s+Career change

Grant Tests His Retirement Idea

When Grant approached some important milestones — 15th work anniversary, 50th birthday and 25th wedding anniversary — he figured re-energizing would help him enjoy them to the fullest.

My sabbatical proved to me that I really could slow down and enjoy smelling the roses!

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30s-40s50s+Career change

Alexandre’s Moment for Change

After some time in “autopilot mode”, Alexandre realizes he needs to take a sabbatical and make a big change. His time off allows him to spend time with his family and change his career.

If you fear you’re close to burn-out, I’d say it’s probably a very smart move to proactively take a sabbatical to think things over. 

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30s-40sCareer changeEntrepreneurship

Adrianne’s Career Halftime

Adrianne creates a plan that allows her to take a sabbatical that would mark her transition into the second phase of her career.

I’m pretty sure my career halftime saved me from completely burning out and becoming detached both personally and professionally.

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30s-40sStoriesFemale

Sonia’s 3-Month Healing Sabbatical

Sonia takes a sabbatical to heal from burnout and grief, spend time with her friends and family, and understand what healing means to her.

While I hoped and expected my sabbatical would shift my mind –quiet it, slow it down– I was completely shocked at how much this pause brought me into my body…

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30s-40sC-levelCreativity

Bethany Finds her Sense of Self

A former government employee embarks on a journey to rediscover her sense of self after personal and professional struggles.

My sabbatical opened up my ideas about what I can do as a professional and gave me more confidence in trying new things that I don’t necessarily have the credential or experience for.

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20s-30sFemalePersonal Stories

Marina Travels and Finds Herself

Marina takes a 32-week sabbatical as a way of healing from her physical and mental health crises. She gains the courage to transform herself.

I realized that the only way to become myself again, was to take care of myself — deeply.

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Career changeEducationEntrepreneurship

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