Another Typical Article About Sabbatical—Or Is It?
This week marks two months into my sabbatical. And lately, when people hear about my situation, their first reaction is:
"Wow, that’s amazing! Imagine all the things I could do if I had that kind of opportunity!"
It’s true—I’m privileged to be in this position, and I’m genuinely enjoying it. But here’s the thing: it’s not at all what I imagined. And, to be honest, it’s probably not what most people envision either.
So, in this safe space, let me share some lessons I’ve learned about this unique experience called a sabbatical—or, as I sometimes call it, "WTF is a sabbatical really?"
1. Every Sabbatical Is Different
A sabbatical is what you need it to be. For some, it’s about recovering from burnout and finding peace. For others, it’s about chasing experiences they couldn’t fit into their usual schedule—traveling, exploring, learning.
The tricky part? You might not even know what you need until you’re already in it.
So, forget any cookie-cutter expectations or glossy Instagram ideas about what a sabbatical "should" look like. Yours will be uniquely yours, and that’s the point.
2. The Best Things Happen When You’re Not Looking
When your daily work grind disappears, the mental energy tied to those constant priorities suddenly frees up.
At first, it’s unsettling. You’ll instinctively try to fill that void with the "usual" stuff—more tasks, new routines. Spoiler: that’s usually nonsense. Letting that fall away is the first step to something beautiful.
Bit by bit, you’ll reclaim your creative power and start doing things simply because you want to—not because you should.
For me, this has been one of the most creatively alive moments of my life. Ideas are sparking like fireworks, and I have the clarity to actually follow through on them. So, forget what others expect a sabbatical to be. If you want to rest, rest. If you want to create, create.
Just don’t hold yourself back trying to conform to someone else’s version of this experience.
3. The Real Lesson? Owning Your Priorities
For the first time in my professional life, I’m the one fully in charge of my priorities. There are no meetings, client demands, or team responsibilities running my schedule.
It’s liberating, yes. But it’s also an adjustment. Managing your own time without external pressures isn’t as easy as it sounds.
4. The Need for Structure
This one’s personal. If you’re anything like me, a schedule keeps you grounded. Without one, it’s easy to lose track of time and drift into that weird time-limbo where days blend together.
Right now, my calendar includes family time, hobbies, and even chores (yep, cooking is officially in my agenda). It’s a way to balance freedom with intentionality.
5. Your Time Is Precious
Just because you have more time doesn’t mean you should waste it. Treat it with care.
"Great power comes with great responsibility," as our dear Spidey would say. (Okay, we’re not superheroes, but you get it.)
Choose your activities wisely. Say no to things that don’t align with your priorities. This time is a privilege—give it the respect it deserves.
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It’s About Priorities, Not Time
So, here’s the takeaway: it’s not about how much time you have but how you choose to use it. Align it with your priorities, honor it, and let it guide you toward what truly matters.
What do you think? Does this resonate with your own experience?
