The Sabbatical Project: Category: Female

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

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

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

Renee’s Lifelong Dream Coming True

A former Fortune 500 executive takes a professional career sabbatical to visit every UN member country – she uses a wheelchair!

I am so confident in myself, my relationships, and the path my life is on now.

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20s-30s30s-40sCareer change

Ellen’s much-needed sabbatical

When an unexpected 3 month lockdown hits, Ellen and J use the time to rest, relax and get ready for their big adventure — a 9-month sabbatical traveling around Australia.

I knew I needed a long break to recover from a tough year, I just didn’t realise how much it would change my life 

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50s+Career changeFemale

Monisha’s Renewed Identity

A mother and nonprofit founder takes a sabbatical and gets a better perspective on identity, family, and work.

Time is the most precious resource we have – the sabbatical really reinforced that. It’s one of the best ways to stop and reset and figure out how you are using your time. 

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FemaleHealing/burnoutStories

Kimberly’s Inner Pilgrimage

A mission-oriented caretaker moves from overworked and disconnected to finding trust and alignment.

“Life is infinitely better than it was a year ago. I have more trust in the universe. I have more trust in myself.”

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20s-30sCareer changeFemale

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