Reflections on My Sabbatical: Why I Took a Break

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's no secret that many of us are feeling burnt-out, exhausted, and just plain tired of the monotony of life. Whether it's the lack of a clear boundary between work and personal life, the increased stress and workload brought on by the shift to remote work, or simply feeling like the things that once brought us happiness no longer have the same impact, it's become clear that many of us are in dire need of a break.

For me, this realization hit home when I found myself struggling with physical and mental health issues despite having a job I loved, a supportive husband, and a beautiful home in Goa. Despite trying to maintain a work-life balance by taking time off on weekends and not checking my work emails, I still felt exhausted by Wednesday each week and unable to shake the feeling that I needed a change.

After much consideration, I made the difficult decision to take a sabbatical, with the support of my husband and family. I knew it wouldn't be easy to step away from my job, but I also knew that it was a necessary step in order to regain my balance and focus on my well-being.

And I'm so glad I did. In the month since I began my sabbatical, I've been surprised by how much I've enjoyed my time off. I've discovered new interests and hobbies, learned how to create a website and start a blog, and simply relished the chance to be creative and explore my own thoughts and ideas.

Of course, taking a sabbatical is not always a possibility for everyone. Finances can be a major factor, as can the pressure to constantly prove oneself in a competitive job market. But it's important to remember that a sabbatical is not simply a luxury for the wealthy or privileged; it's an investment in our own well-being and a recognition of the importance of taking time for ourselves.

Looking back, I realize that I never took a true sabbatical before. Even when I took time off to go abroad for my MBA or go on a job hunt, I was still working and focused on career development. It wasn't until now that I truly understand the importance of breaks, vacations, and sabbaticals.

But why is it so hard for us to take time for ourselves? Perhaps it's because we've internalized the values of the past, where taking time off was seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of dedication to our work. Or maybe it's because we feel like we have to constantly justify our decision to take a sabbatical, even to ourselves.

Regardless of the reasons, I believe it's time for us to challenge these old-fashioned attitudes and embrace the value of taking time for ourselves. By doing so, we can create space for self-reflection, growth, and the chance to find our balance once again.

So, what do you think? Have you considered taking a sabbatical? What are your thoughts on the importance of taking time for ourselves? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.