The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos cover image

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Why You Should Take a Few Months Off Work (Live from SXSW)

Apr 7, 2025
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.
47:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

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