Yes, You Should Take a Sabbatical. Read These Tips Before Hitting the Road!
Are you experiencing more stress than sleep because of work? Yes, you need to earn a living to maintain stability in your life. But when your job is in the driver’s seat, it can be difficult to keep any sense of balance and wellness in your routine. And that’s not how you live a fulfilled life!
Don’t allow your job to rule your life. You can actually save your career by planning a sabbatical while fostering your health and well-being. Below, We’re the Wilsons shows you how to prepare for an exciting adventure away from the daily grind!
Know the Benefits
Keeping the benefits of taking a sabbatical in mind will inspire you to actually do it, even when life throws you a curveball and you feel like you can’t get away from work. First of all, a sabbatical can give you space from your job, which can do a number of things:
- Help you appreciate your professional experiences over the years.
- Help you identify the expertise you can contribute to experiences in the future.
- Allow breathing room to clarify how you want to work and live in the future.
Even if you love your job, a sabbatical can provide the much-needed distance from your daily grind and remind you that there’s more to life than work. A fresh perspective is always a good thing!
Brainstorm Ideas
So, what could you do on your sabbatical? There isn’t a single, correct way to go on sabbatical, and the best approach for you will depend on your specific needs and interests. Perhaps one of the most relaxing things you could do is take a road trip across the country.
The U.S. offers incredible diversity when it comes to breathtaking scenery, geographic wonders, and historic sites. If you want to go all the way, rent an RV and stay in a different place every night. You can get a lot of inspiration by keeping up with We’re the Wilsons!
Another option is to volunteer for an organization that shares your values. You could even choose somewhere out of the country and gain valuable cultural experiences.
Some people start a company out of their passion. Even if it begins as a side gig, you might find that you enjoy the work much more, and if there is potential for a profit, it may make sense to build your business instead of going back to your job. Whatever you do, try to rest and recharge along the way. A sabbatical is supposed to be fun!
Plan Your Finances
When planning your sabbatical, you’ll need to organize your finances to ensure you don’t put yourself in a compromised position by taking time off. One way to supplement your income if you’re traveling is to rent out your home. Not only can you earn money while you’re away, but a reliable tenant can make sure your home stays in good shape.
Think About Work
If possible, leave work on good terms. This can make your experience more stressful, especially if you plan to return after your sabbatical. With that said, a sabbatical can actually work in your favor if you ever pursue a career change. Whether you volunteer, care for a sick person, start a side gig, or do anything else generous and productive, include specific activities on your resume to present your time off as a positive.
Get Ready to Head Out
Lastly, be sure to tie up any loose ends before you begin your sabbatical. Along with shoring up your finances and speaking with your employer, make sure your pet will be taken care of. If you take a road trip with an RV, you can bring your four-legged companion with you! Otherwise, find a trusted kennel, or ask a close family member or friend to pet sit until you return.
Work and the stress that comes with it will rule your life if you let it. If you’re overwhelmed or need a dose of inspiration, start planning a sabbatical today. Consider the tips above as you strategize your time off, and keep looking for other ways to find rest and joy.
If you enjoyed reading this article, check out We’re The Wilsons for more engaging content today.
We are happy to provide another guest article by Leslie Campos. A busy mom herself, Leslie has dedicated her site Wellparents.com to all the moms and dads out there searching for ideas on being physically and emotionally well. She loves to practice yoga, CrossFit and watch The Great British Baking show when not working or running her children to various after school activities
