Planning Your Sabbatical: Embracing Accountability and Reflection

Here’s how to pull off a sabbatical and make sure you actually enjoy taking it

Have you ever thought about taking a sabbatical? 

When I say sabbatical, I mean taking an extended period of time away from your business or work to travel, pursue your interests, or heck, just relax.

I don’t know about you, but for many years I thought that only people with careers in higher education were “allowed” to take a sabbatical because I’ve never heard about anyone in a typical 9 to 5 jetting off for a month (or more) to do whatever their heart pleases.

That’s why I am beyond grateful to have my own business, which gives me so much – especially the opportunity to create the life I want to live. And guess what? Taking a sabbatical is a part of it. 

Four years ago I made the commitment to take a sabbatical, and this summer I’m actually doing it. I’ll be taking 30 whole days away from my business to relax, spend quality time with friends and family, and completely disconnect. 

Yes, I said it: Completely disconnect. There will be no check-ins, emails, Slack messages, or Asana tasks. I’m going off the grid from my business, and I’ve got my team set up to win.

I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “But Amy, you’re obsessed with your business. How on Earth can you be confident that everything will run smoothly AND be totally present while you’re away?” 

And that’s what this episode is all about. In it, I’ll share:  

• How far in advance I started planning for my sabbatical
• What I’m doing to make sure I have enough content stockpiled
• The systems I have in place to ensure everything runs on autopilot
• What I’m most nervous about and excited for
• How to approach your boss about taking a sabbatical if you’re in a 9 to 5 job

So if you’ve ever considered taking a little break from your business, tune in to hear exactly what I’m doing to set myself (and my team) up for success.

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [03:08] I'm taking a sabbatical -- 30 days to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with my friends and family. 
• [08:25] By completely disconnecting from your business for an extended period of time, you can come back with so much more energy, creativity, and innovation.
• [10:30] I am stockpiling videos, media, podcasts, and other content for when I’m out. My team had to get any recording requests to me in advance. 
• [11:22] My executive assistant and I have been mindful of my calendar leading up to the sabbatical. We've also thought about how I'll ease back in when I return.
• [12:58] Taking a sabbatical does take financial resources and planning. You want to have things squared away before you go. 
• [13:59] If you still have a 9 to 5 job, you'll most likely have to get approval from your boss. Explain to them how they will benefit from your time away.
• [15:49] I'm equally excited and nervous about my sabbatical. This will be a challenge for me to fully let go of what’s going on in my business.
• [17:11] I'm excited because I think I'll come back even better. I'll be recharged and ready to go. 
• [20:36] It was important to spend my sabbatical somewhere other than my home because I don't trust myself to not text my team or get involved in the business.
• [22:56] Take out your journal and write down where you want to go, and then DM me @AmyPorterfield on Instagram and let me know.

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