Sabbatical: Is it really as valuable as we think?

I’m sure everyone has had this thought at least once in their career…

…to take a few months off (with a promise that your employer will gladly take you back 😉), to rethink your life, work on a personal project, or simply spend more time with the people you love. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

A sabbatical should already be part of the benefits package in any serious company — right next to flexible hours, a four-day work week, or part-time options. I have no doubts about that.

But here’s the question: is the value of a sabbatical really as high as we imagine? Can you truly enjoy a long break after years of running the rat race — stressed, exhausted, and burned out? Or will you spend most of that time just recovering and trying to feel “normal” again?

So maybe stop waiting for that magical time-off that may never come. Start redesigning your life now. Say no more often. Move your body and do some sports. Take those small but real breaks. And most importantly — stop glorifying burnout as a sign of ambition. Because being constantly exhausted isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a warning sign.

Your “someday” life starts the moment you stop postponing it.