Why You Should Take a Few Months Off Work (Live from SXSW)
Apr 7, 2025
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Join DJ DiDonna, a Senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and founder of The Sabbatical Project, as he shares his passion for the life-changing benefits of taking extended breaks from work. He reflects on his eye-opening sabbatical that reignited his joy and creativity. The conversation tackles the misconceptions surrounding sabbaticals, emphasizing their positive impact on well-being and organizational health. DiDonna encourages listeners to embrace personal growth, urging a shift in workplace culture to support life-enhancing career breaks.
Sabbaticals serve as essential breaks for rejuvenation and reassessment, promoting better well-being and preventing burnout.
Taking an extended leave leads to personal growth and creativity, offering profound experiences that can redefine life perspectives.
Employers gain from sabbatical policies through increased employee engagement and loyalty, fostering a healthier workplace culture that values personal development.
Deep dives
The Importance of Sabbaticals
Sabbaticals serve as critical breaks for individuals to recharge and reassess their professional and personal lives. These extended leaves are not just vacations but intentional periods designed to heal burnout and restore energy. Many companies are acknowledging this need, with an increasing number beginning to offer sabbatical policies as a means to support employee well-being. The shift toward recognizing the value of sabbaticals could lead to more sustainable work environments and happier employees.
Personal Transformations During Sabbaticals
Taking a sabbatical allows individuals to explore personal interests, leading to profound transformations. It provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery, creativity, and healing, often yielding unexpected positive experiences. Activities like volunteering, learning new skills, or simply taking time for rest can greatly enhance personal satisfaction and confidence. Many who have taken sabbaticals report it as a peak life experience comparable to significant life events, fundamentally changing their perspectives.
Perceptions and Misconceptions of Sabbaticals
Despite their benefits, there are numerous misconceptions surrounding sabbaticals, such as the belief that they are solely a sign of burnout or a personal crisis. Many people hesitate to take time off due to fears of judgment or career repercussions, often underestimating how their time away can enhance their skills and contributions. Research shows that individuals who take sabbaticals return to work with renewed enthusiasm and commitment. Addressing these misconceptions can encourage more professionals to embrace the value of taking intentional breaks.
The Value for Employers
Employers can greatly benefit from offering sabbatical programs, as these policies can foster loyalty and reduce turnover. Studies indicate that companies allowing sabbaticals often see increased innovation and engagement among their employees. By supporting their employees' need for time off, companies can create a more positive workplace culture that values personal growth. Furthermore, it prepares organizations to manage risks associated with key personnel, ensuring continuity and resilience in operations.
Strategies for Implementing Sabbaticals
Implementing a successful sabbatical policy requires careful planning and communication. Organizations need to ensure that employees feel supported and that expectations around their time off are clear. Effective strategies include allowing for partial pay during sabbaticals and creating clear guidelines for disconnection from work duties. Additionally, leaders should model the behavior by taking sabbaticals themselves, reinforcing the importance of work-life balance and inspiring employees to take this step.
Sometimes a two-week vacation just isn't enough - we all might need to leave our jobs for three months, six months or even a year. Taking an extended break can be great for our wellbeing - allowing us to recharge our batteries and reassess our priorities.
But for most of us taking a sabbatical feels impossible - so live at SXSW Dr Laurie asked the advice of sabbaticals expert DJ DiDonna. DJ teaches at Harvard Business School and founded The Sabbatical Project - but in a past life he established a hectic start-up and eventually found he was badly in need of an extended career break.