When we think of a Sabbatical, we often think about taking several months to a year away from our place of work to take a course or see the world.
According to Meetplango.com, - "The term sabbatical actually is derived from the biblical Sabbath which serves an ancient human need to build periods of rest and rejuvenation into a lifetime. Traditionally you'll find sabbaticals in academic careers, but they are not just for teachers anymore."
For most of us, that's a dream. One, we don't have a job where we can do that without quitting or getting fired. Two, if we had that kind of job, we wouldn't have the money to cover us for that time. Three, if we had the time and the money, we wouldn't know what to do when we were away and probably use that time to do more chores....
I believe that you can take a Sabbatical in different ways if you are unable to do the traditional method due to the circumstances of your life. This sabbatical will involve change and commitment.
As you read above, a sabbatical is a period of rest and rejuvenation, but how do you do that here and now in your current life? This can be accomplished by making a determintion to fast from elements of your lifestyle socially and professionally such as extra committee work, extra-curticular activities daily, excessive social gatherings daily or weekly, etc.
This is basically a time of aloneness, not loneliness. It's a choice not a sentence. This aloneness can be for a week, month or several and, like a sabbatical that you would take professionally, it should be well planned with a specific purpose and goal and your loved ones should be advised to enlist their support and reduce their worry.
Try to use vacation time during that period to optimize your retreat from daily activities; if you are unable to do that, your time away from work, typically evenings and weekends, should be planned out with your sabbatical in mind. You can also utilize hotels, bed and breakfasts, a friends home or cottage for a short stay-cation to maximize your rest.
Periods of job lose can be reframed into a sabbatical; while your looking for work, this is an excellent time to reflect, take a course or begin to envision your life differently; utilize some time away physically and/or socially to rejuvenate.
Step one, think about what you want to do and why. Two, advise family and friends so they dont go into panic mode wondering if you're alright; you will need their support particularly if you have a family and obligations to others. Three, make specific S.M.A.R.T. goals for that period of time and, four, commit to a plan of action.
Be sure to journal written or audio during the time in order to reflect on your feelings, new ideas, revelations, plans and thoughts.
This time is about you and your life going forward. Pay special attention to those in your life that state they are supporting you but subtly sabotage your efforts; somewhat like giving a person a slice of cake when they know they're on a diet. This may point out their needs and enabling relationships which you may want to restructure.
If you are able to consider an actual sabbatical check out, www.careerbreak.com to begin to practically map out how it can happen for you.
At any time of your life you can begin to change it; there are no rules; only the ones you make based on your own, or most often, others plans and expectations for your life!
Here's to new beginnings!
Happy Monday!
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