Refactoring Podcast Career Sabbaticals and Self Discovery đ â with Thiago Ghisi
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Jan 9, 2026 
Thiago Ghisi, a former engineering director at Nubank and Apple, shares his transformative sabbatical journey. He reveals how detaching from his work identity allowed him to embrace self-discovery and deeper questioning. Thiago discusses the creation of a 'second brain' using tools like Obsidian and Cloud Code to analyze 15+ years of notes for insights into his past. He highlights the importance of sustainable routines and the unique challenges of finding joy outside productivity. Finally, he considers pursuing a PhD in psychology, blending his tech skills with newfound passions.
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Long-Brewed Sabbatical Decision
- Thiago cultivated the idea of a sabbatical for years while preparing financially and logistically.
- He finally pulled the trigger after feeling he had reached his peak impact and after visa and timing aligned.
Build A Sustainable Sabbatical Routine
- Create a sustainable routine and pick a few things to explore deeply rather than trying to do everything.
- Avoid defaulting to social media or job-like productivity; follow curiosity without pressure.
Letting Go Of Work Identity
- Detaching from your work identity feels like losing status but opens room for joy and varied exploration.
- Short-term productivity metrics mislead during sabbaticals; measure progress by longer-term growth.