People often feel stuck in a rut. However, rather than quitting or taking a vacation, it might be more beneficial to simply take a sabbatical-distance yourself from your job and boost your passion for an industry. If you are thinking about taking a sabbatical from your career, you might be wondering about the best ways to occupy your time. Below are seven things to do when on sabbatical, helping you to return to work as a healthier, happier and more confident person.
- Take a Trip Around the World
If you want to ensure you never waste one minute of your sabbatical, take a trip around the world. You can meet new people, explore different cultures, and try different cuisines. Step inside Rome’s Colosseum, stand at the Top of the Rock in New York, or book one of many unforgettable Costa Rica tours. You will return to your career as a more open-minded, empathetic and confident person, with plenty of incredible stories to share with your friends and colleagues.
- Unleash Your Creative Side
If you are tired of spreadsheets, deadlines, meetings, and conferences, you might be longing to do something different and unleash your creative side. Attend an art class, join a writing group, book a cooking course, or take music lessons. There are numerous ways you can embrace your creative side; you simply need to find the passion for you.
- Make Time to Read Books or Articles
How many times have you told yourself you want to read a book or article, but it has ended up on a dusty shelf or in your online bookmarks? Well, now you have some free time on your hands, you should make a point of reading everything on your to-read list.
- Give Back to Your Community
Use your sabbatical to have a positive impact on society. Volunteer your services to a charity or individual; for example, you could work in a soup kitchen, organize community events, or become a mentor to a budding professional. You will feel good about yourself at the end of every day, as you will know you have made a difference to another person’s life, so it can be a rewarding experience that could change your life for the better.
- Reconnect with Your Spouse
Work can sadly take you away from your loved ones each day. If you feel as if your career has often stood in the way of your relationships, you should use your leave from work to reconnect with your spouse. Relight the spark in your relationship: book weekend getaways, go to the movies, or spoil your partner with a romantic dinner. Doing so will ensure you will never regret taking a leave of absence from work.