Looking back, one of my biggest regrets while working in finance was not taking a sabbatical. Had I taken one, perhaps a short break of one to three months, I might have stayed in the industry until I was 40 instead of leaving at 34, potentially earning significantly more.
The fear of taking a break was real; it seemed like a risk to one’s career, especially with the looming threat of reduced year-end bonuses. Everyone, myself included, was too caught up in climbing the corporate ladder to consider it, despite our employee handbook stating we could take one every five years. Such a culture might have made us happier and possibly reduced employee turnover.
Now, as my own boss, the pressures I face are mostly self-imposed. I’ve designated June 15 as the start of my wind-down period for a sabbatical. This year, I took two months off and it has been refreshing.
The need for this break stems from exhaustion. Since the pandemic started, I’ve doubled my usual workload, spending about 40 hours a week on this site, in addition to 30 hours handling childcare. It’s been a grueling schedule without a break for two years.
Overworking has always been my default response to stress. Financial Samurai was actually born during the Global Financial Crisis in July 2009, a testament to turning challenging times into opportunities. Yet, I recognize the need to pace myself to maintain this site until 2040, when both my kids turn 21.
Let’s talk about sabbaticals. They typically last from one to three months, but in places like Europe and Asia, they can stretch up to a year. These breaks are crucial for employees in good standing who’ve put in years of service. Sadly, despite being eligible every five years, I never took one during my 11 years in finance.
If you’re unaware of your company’s sabbatical policy, now’s a good time to check. With the labor market rebounding, companies might enhance these policies to retain talent.
Sabbaticals can be transformative. They offer a chance to pursue new passions, discover new purposes, advance career skills, focus on health, improve personal relationships, travel, volunteer, start a business, or simply catch up on personal projects.
For me, a sabbatical means time to heal physically and mentally. It’s about cutting down work, focusing on creative projects like podcasting, eating healthier, and spending quality time with my family and exploring local attractions.
Importantly, a sabbatical is also about finding a sustainable way to run Financial Samurai, maybe by involving guest authors or focusing on updating existing content.
I encourage everyone to consider a sabbatical before burnout becomes insurmountable. It’s an opportunity to refresh and rethink, to ensure you don’t walk away from a valuable career or business prematurely. This summer, I’m not just taking a break; I’m fully embracing life and making sure I get the restorative break I truly need.
