Fast Company article - November 1998 "Radical Sabbaticals" by Katherine Mieszkowski Page 48 Prepared by Vince Crary 11-20-98 The article "Radical Sabbaticals" was of interest to me because I am now on study leave. Although I am not on a "radical sabbatical", I found many of the points of the article hit home. Sabbaticals are becoming " a retention tool, a technique to avoid burnout", according to the article. I don't feel I was to the burnout point, but I know the study leave has been an excellent break from my job. What is a radical sabbatical? Some people are quitting jobs and doing many things from pottery to learning a foreign language to traveling. The length of time off will vary from months to a year or more. At first I felt I couldn't leave my job for a study leave. How would all my work carry on and get done? The desire to get going on my master's degree and get some of the class work done convinced me to go ahead with the study leave. The first couple of weeks were confusing. After having to always go to work, it was strange to know I didn't have that responsibility. I can see how people who retire can have trouble. According to the article, "People are using radical sabbaticals to question priorities, to challenge their life assumptions, to reinvent themselves." "More people are granting themselves extended time off to take control of their lives." To break the habit of going to work each day, you need more than one or two weeks away; at least I know I have. To have three months away from the job is not a radical sabbatical according to the article, but believe me, it is a radical sabbatical for me. I have finally gotten over the guilt of not going to work each day. The leave has given me time to do work on my master's study as well as time to think, read, and enjoy a less hectic life style. Would I recommend a study leave? You bet! When I have talked to others about the study leave, most all have said, "That's neat!" It is neat, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to get away from work to see if my priorities are changing, question where my life is going, and rediscover myself.

-- Anonymous, November 30, 1998

Answers

What a wonderful opportunity for you! Thanks for your comments on this article.

Excellent observations and discussion about how this article relates to your study leave.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 1999