My sabbatical was a profound, unanticipated pause that not only redefined my approach to work and life but also deeply integrated faith and family as the core purpose guiding my path forward.
I stepped away to breathe, and in that breathing room, I didn’t just recover—I rebuilt.
My sabbatical was an unanticipated, yet truly needed break that became a powerful driver for growth, recovery, and a redefinition of my approach to life and career. It was a time of deep personal reflection, academic pursuit, and embracing a new chapter of motherhood, all while navigating the unique challenges of the COVID-19 shutdowns and a major relocation. It was a remarkably full and transformative period, marked by significant personal growth and a deliberate focus on what truly mattered.
New beginnings: navigating motherhood and relocation
While it marked my departure from a previous employer and a move to a new location, that period turned out to be far from a step backwards. My time with my former employer proved to be absolutely foundational. They equipped me with skills and confidence that are the bedrock of my career.
While a break, especially for a woman and new mother, could often feel like a significant setback, which I initially fully anticipated, I felt remarkably confident and prepared for what lay ahead as I navigated through the season. This wasn’t just resilience; it was a direct result of the robust professional development and experience I gained and the academic skills I was equipping myself with.
I knew exactly what I brought to the table and, crucially, how to leverage those strengths in future roles, thanks to the solid grounding my previous employer provided. This confidence allowed me to truly embrace my sabbatical for recovery and personal growth, rather than fretting about professional stagnation.
My sabbatical was the foundation for a life where purpose isn’t found in what I do, but in how I live, embracing every role from parent to professional with a renewed heart.
Finding breathing room: how stepping back opened a path forward
Taking that time away felt like finding my true north. It changed how I looked at my career, while solidifying the notion I had built as a new professional – my career would not be prosaic. During this rich period, I immersed myself in several key activities:
- Academic pursuit: I dedicated substantial time to completing my Master’s degree, expanding my knowledge and intellectual horizons.
- Embracing motherhood: A central and profoundly impactful part of this period was welcoming and focusing on my first baby, learning to navigate new routines and priorities as a mother.
- Family focus: I intentionally shifted my pace to spend quality, unhurried time focusing on my family, strengthening those essential bonds.
- Physical well-being: I prioritised my physical health, making time to go to the gym and maintain my fitness.
- Creative rediscovery: I joyfully rediscovered my passion for sewing and drawing, carving out space for creative expression that had long been set aside.
- Nurturing friendships: I invested time in building and deepening friendships, fostering connections that brought support and joy.
- Personal recovery & reflection: This time was crucial for rest and recovery from previous professional demands, allowing for deep introspection and a significant shift in my perspective on career, balance, and overall life purpose. This included redefining my approach to work and how I view opportunities.
- Faith: I found a group of ladies with whom I still pray, and surrender my life to God through bible study, prayer and daily living.
Faith, family, and a redefined career
Post Sabbatical, I approach my professional world with a clearer head, confidently stepping into roles like my current one, which is not in the traditional path of my profession, because they truly align with who I’ve become and my longer-term goals. The biggest change? I’ve truly learned to carve out time for rest and, more importantly, to deeply integrate my faith and family as the core purpose guiding every part of my life.
My sabbatical was the unwritten chapter that taught me to listen, to learn, and to lead a life where balance isn’t a goal, but a lived reality, woven with threads of purpose, family, and renewed professional passion.
What catalyzed your sabbatical? Partner-enabled (through their company); health/burnout
How long was your sabbatical? 200 weeks
What were you most concerned about when contemplating a sabbatical?
Responsibilities – how can I afford the mortgage/take care of my family?
Did HOW you work change at all, post-sabbatical?
No major change
What kind of work did you return to? Different company, different role
Describe any changes you made in your life post-sabbatical:
Stepping back for my sabbatical helped me finally find my bearings, fundamentally shifting my whole outlook on work and life. These days, I approach my career with a fresh perspective, even moving into roles outside my comfort zone that just feel right. The biggest change? I’ve truly learned to carve out time for rest and, more importantly, to deeply integrate my faith and family as the core purpose guiding every part of my life.
How did your sabbatical experience change the way you thought about your employer?
The opportunity to take a break came when I was burnt out, and my husband got a work opportunity that required relocating. It aligned well for what I needed – rest.
Why do you think others should (or shouldn’t) take sabbaticals?
With all the gains from my sabbatical, I was fully aware of the privilege it was. The reality of the current economic climate, diverse individual goals and responsibilities, as well as the well-being of a whole individual, may not make a sabbatical a reality for all.
Taking a sabbatical can be incredibly beneficial, both personally and professionally, for reasons such as:
Addressing burnout and rejuvenation, providing an extended period to deeply rest, unplug and recover
Stepping away from the daily grind can foster creativity and provide a fresh outlook on challenges
Sabbaticals offer an opportune time to pursue personal goals, learn new skills, or engage in academic pursuits that might be impossible during regular work life
For those considering a career change or seeking more fulfilment, a sabbatical can be a vital period of introspection and exploration.
While the above reasons may be true, there are some drawbacks to consider:
For many, a sabbatical means reduced or no income, which can be a significant financial strain if not carefully planned for.
There’s a risk of feeling disconnected from the workplace and team, and reintegrating can sometimes be challenging, requiring an adjustment period.
If you plan on returning to the same employer/role, it is important to consider that colleagues may need to take on additional responsibilities, potentially leading to increased workload or resentment if not managed well by the employer.
Perceived Career Stagnation may result in one feeling like they are missing out on opportunities while away
I believe that sabbaticals are very helpful during times of significant transition or when a sustained period of focused personal development is needed, such as burnout, significant life changes, career crossroads, milestone career anniversaries, and while pursuing major personal projects. While not everyone may take the 200 weeks I took, a sabbatical is a deeply personal decision which, when approached thoughtfully and planned effectively, can be a transformative investment in one’s overall well-being, leading to greater clarity, renewed passion, and a more purposeful life.
You can connect with Tinenechi Mulambia Chienda here.
Interested in more stories about sabbaticals that help you listen to yourself? Check out Daisy’s story here.
