Making Time to "Be" - Bringing a Sabbatical Feel to Daily Working Life

“So, what have you done on your year off then?” That’s what I suspect I’ll be asked when I return to work next week after a year-long sabbatical. I’ve been pondering about how I’ll answer this; what have I done, what have I learned, how has it felt, was it worth it?!

Unlike those who take the opportunity to embark on an epic round-the-world backpacking adventure, I have been mainly home-based for my sabbatical (although we did manage to squeeze in an amazing trip to India!). I took the time out from work to spend more time with my two children (aged 11 and 13); it felt like the clock was ticking for me to enjoy their childhood before they become more independent teenagers. I only seriously considered the possibility of taking a year-off when I met an inspiring business leader who had taken a 2-year career break, returning to a better role within her organisation. If she could take a break without damaging her career (in fact, she managed to do the opposite), then I realised that I could do it to!

So, what did I do? Some of my year was carefully planned, such as taking a course in Coaching that enabled me to keep in touch with work (doing practice coaching sessions for colleagues) and to expand my skillset in an area that interests me. As it happened coaching was an ideal subject to be studying during a career break, helping me to reflect on my own skills, values and what I want to get out of my life. The practice of coaching has also been revelatory for me – it’s one of the first things I’ve done when you get better at doing it by trying less! The focus is on presence; being with people in the here and now, quietening distractions and giving your complete attention to what you’re doing. Awakening to the bigger picture meaning by “being”, rather than just focussing on the day-to-day “doing”. This has taken quite some practice, as someone whose life is busy and hectic, and using mindfulness to help achieve this has been brilliant.

Lots that happened in my year has been unplanned, but of massive value nonetheless. Having the time to learn pottery throwing, explore museums and even try street dance (much to my kids’ amusement!) has been fabulous in expanding my horizons. Something else not planned was one of my best friends tragically being diagnosed with terminal secondary cancer. I had the time off work to be able to nurse and support her through a shockingly quick decline, before she died 6 weeks later. Although heartbreaking to witness, the time I was able to spend “being” in each other’s company was a great gift. Without sounding trite, it has made me realise the value of living life to the full and to think hard about my own purpose and legacy.

Of course, just “being” is relatively easy to achieve when you’re not at work in a challenging job (although it is amazing how quickly life fills up with tasks and chores regardless!), and time will tell how well I achieve this in the face of day-to-day deadlines. But these are my thoughts on how to bring a sabbatical feel to daily working life:

• Make a conscious effort to be “present” and minimise distractions. Mindfulness or meditation can be helpful for this, and the benefits include reducing stress levels as well as improving connections with the people around you.

• Make space to think about the bigger picture meaning in life as well as the day-to-day. Give some thought to your sense of value and purpose, spend some time just “being” and listen to your “inner voice” telling you the answer.

• Consciously try something different – a new approach to a work problem, learn a new skill, try a food you’ve never tasted, visit a place that you’ve never been before… You never know what benefits it will bring to you.

• Be kind to yourself – it really is ok to just sit and enjoy doing nothing occasionally.