The Case for Sabbaticals — and How to Take a Successful One – HBR.org Daily

A sabbatical — defined here as an intentional extended leave from your job-related work — may seem out of reach for many workers. But if you can swing it, the potential payoff is enormous. In fact, taking one could be transformational for your life and career. Research and interviews with more than 250 sabbatical-takers reveal the key attributes that define these breaks, the three distinct sabbatical types, and the hurdles one must overcome to persuade bosses, colleagues, and yourself that it’s a good idea.
In her early thirties, Bethany was at a crossroads. After working for the U.S. government in Washington, DC, she’d been accepted into a PhD program in law in Australia, which she’d chosen in order to be closer to her partner. But when the relationship abruptly ended just before she enrolled, she felt as if the floor had dropped out from beneath her. This was on top of an already hard year: Bethany’s father had passed away several months earlier. Overwhelmed and disoriented, she worried that she had “lost the ability to appreciate joy in life.” But instead of seeking a different PhD program or a new job, she did something radical for a high achiever. She saved up for a year and then allowed herself a six-month sabbatical from work.

The science behind what makes a good one, and proven tips for making them a regular part of the day.

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