The Garrett Learning newsletter. Give yourself permission to take some time away from work – February 2023

Give yourself permission to take some time away from work.

Growing up, I always thought that the best way to maximise your career would be to work long hours and put all your energy into your career. As my tenth year in Learning & Development approached, I’d been thinking about taking a break for some time. I made a promise to myself to take a sabbatical. It also coincided with my 40th birthday too which strengthened my cause for the break!

I was concerned that I’m self-employed and wondered if I’d have a job to come back to. I did all I could to limit the impact on the business. I contacted clients to let them know I would be away from the business, and asked a trusted associate to be listed on my out of office.

I packed my rucksack and my husband and I headed across the world for an eight week adventure travelling Australia in campervans, hostels, and the occasional hotel to enjoy a hot bath! It was an incredible trip.

I’ve been back home for three weeks and I feel AMAZING! My batteries are fully recharged. I’m feeling refreshed, have a fresh mindset and have returned to work with renewed enthusiasm, creativity and passion.

You don’t have to take a long break from your career to refresh yourself though. Allow yourself a few days off to recharge or a change of scenery for a week or two?

Perhaps you could:

• Explore a new place
• Spend time with family and friends
• Try something new
• Get involved with a hobby or sport
• Visit a new restaurant or cafe
• Go on a road trip (highly recommended!)
• Find a way to relax, unwind and recharge  

If you want to take a sabbatical to clear your head and freshen up, here are some tips for making it work:

1. Plan ahead – Make sure you’re ready for a long break from work by planning ahead. Consider how much leave you’ll need and how much work needs to get done before you go on sabbatical. This will help you figure out what arrangements need to be made for when your leave begins and ends.

2. Check your contract – If you have an employment contract with an employer, it may stipulate that employees must give notice before taking extended time off work (such as six months). If this is the case, speak with your manager and HR department about whether they will accept shorter notice periods or not so that you can plan accordingly and avoid any conflict while away.

Upon your return from leave you will be refreshed, creative and enthusiastic! You will return with a new perspective. You will be more productive. You will be more focused and driven. You will have a better work/life balance.

Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning can partner with you and your organisation to enable the team to reach their full potential.

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