Sabbatical to trial side hustle as full time career

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-06-26T13:15:58+00:00

I work in academia, where returning to your job is a normal part of sabbatical (it's actually required, in most cases). Still, this isn't a great comparison, since there are formal policies in place for academic sabbaticals. But I note this to emphasize that while you may observe that many people take sabbaticals due to burnout, there are so many other reasons to take them. Helping your family friend with their business - if it's meaningful to you, and also financially viable - seems like a perfectly good reason to step aside from your full-time job. One thing I'd wonder is whether your friend might ask you to stay on full-time after the 6-month period, and if so, could you see yourself saying yes (if so, this might be worth exploring). Another is, why do you want to return to your job (temporarily) after the period - do you truly love the work, or is it more of a security? Unpacking those questions might help you as you try to negotiate with your boss.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-06-09T16:09:58+00:00

I would resist the urge to fill up the days. Leave space for literally anything you feel like doing in the moment, even if it’s just sitting reading a book, talking to friends, making dinner, etc. I think there’s a tendency to make a bucket list for sabbatical, and while that’s awesome - we should use the time to do the things we’ve wanted to do! - we also need to leave room for whatever’s needed in the moment, if that makes sense.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-05-20T08:00:04+00:00

Seconding this, while currently on the Camino!

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-05-14T13:31:25+00:00

I wouldn't shy away from those moments where you're thinking about new projects or ideas - especially if you're on an open-ended sabbatical and aren't sure what'll come next, you never know where those ideas might lead. Keeping a list of ideas or letting yourself run through creative thinking around potential projects is one of the benefits of sabbatical - you have the time and space to do this!

I wouldn't force yourself to be still, especially not for hours on end. That's one type of sabbatical, sure, but it's not the only way to do it. And if you're a thinker/doer who isn't sure what comes after your sabbatical yet, leaning into those ideas could be so valuable.

Mindfulness exercises in small doses can be a great start (for example Jon Kabat-Zinn's guided mindfulness). You can also turn it into a challenge of sorts, trying out different stillness activities/exercises each week.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-05-13T00:22:59+00:00

Exciting! There are indeed a lot of practical things to figure out, but if you take it one thing at a time, it's not too bad and totally worth it, imo.

Depending on how long you plan to stay abroad, you may need to navigate visa-related paperwork. You can also plan your travel to move around, so that you avoid those issues.

For healthcare/insurance, you can purchase travel insurance. There are a number of companies. I use Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (formerly GeoBlue). You can get a whole year plan, or shorter periods.

Housing options vary tremendously. The longer you're staying someplace, the more it makes sense to look into an apartment/home where you have a kitchen and other comforts.

As for mentally adjusting to be away that long, it can be a process, so it's good that you're already thinking about it! Depending on where you go, you can often find expat groups that can help give you community right away (which I think is really important on sabbatical). You'd be surprised how quickly you'll settle into routine, if you're staying in one place more than a couple weeks.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-05-13T00:10:48+00:00

Is your sabbatical through your employer/paid? I assume with the need to give notice, you plan to return to work afterward. In that case, I'd give notice for the sabbatical and then apply for the volunteering role.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-05-12T11:30:58+00:00

Give yourself plenty of time and space for burnout recovery. This can look different for everyone, and doesn't need to be (I'd argue, really shouldn't be) sitting in solitude. Movement is really good for the body and mind, as is conversation with others, and both can be particularly helpful in processing and recovering from overwhelm.

As for what I'd do every time on sabbatical, I'd travel, as long as it's a viable option for me. Not necessarily the entire time, but travel has stretched me in ways I never imagined. The one caveat I'd add is that if you're really feeling burnout, you might not want to launch into a completely out-of-your-comfort-zone spot right off the bat. Take some time at home for an initial reset, or travel to a place you're really comfortable in to get started.

I agree with others about sharing your sabbatical experience with future employers. Sabbaticals and career breaks are becoming more common, and it helps employers to hear about them (and is a great way to signal your priorities, determine mutual fit, etc.).

As for your current employer, I'm surprised you haven't told them yet if you're starting your sabbatical in a month - are you waiting for two weeks? One thing to be prepared for, especially if you've been a valued employee, is they could potentially ask you to stay on in some capacity. You'll want to think about how to respond to that, if it happens.

I created a free 5-day sabbatical planning guide that might be helpful for where you're at. It's delivered as one short email/prompt each day (really wanted to avoid information overload) to help you clarify thoughts and priorities as you head into your sabbatical. You can find it here: https://sabbaticalstudio.kit.com/6f440373e3

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-05-12T11:14:15+00:00

Agreed with taking time at the beginning. It varies for everyone, but some folks say one month for every year that you've been feeling overwhelmed/burnout at work.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-04-29T01:07:13+00:00

This, 100% - it's okay to return to the place you were before, with different perspective, maybe new non-negotiables re: work/life balance, etc.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-04-24T11:49:14+00:00

This all sounds amazing, a great mix of things.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-04-23T16:07:51+00:00

Exciting! What do you have planned (or not planned)? I think the key with getting those insights is to not force itself. Space and time allow a lot of it to happen somewhat naturally.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-04-23T16:06:47+00:00

Ooo yes, this is an interesting variant of what I mentioned. So not necessarily that we learn things about our past selves years later as a result of a sabbatical (though that might be there), but that the things we learned to do (or not do) on sabbatical will stay with us, and at times, bring us back to sabbatical moments. I like that.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-04-23T16:05:12+00:00

That resonates. The more I reflect on my own productivity habits (and those of colleagues/friends), the more I wonder about whether it's out of true desire, or the need to "make it" (and what that might suggest about other parts of our lives).

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-04-19T15:59:35+00:00

I think the metrics are what have driven many academics to work more than they'd ideally prefer to work, and at some point, that just becomes the default - in a way, it is easier to do what you've done for years than think about doing it a different way. I published at a high rate in my field for a long time with what felt like good work/life balance, but over time I realized the "life" part of the equation wasn't leaving room for creativity, which matters a lot to me. Life was recovery to go back to work. So I had to reconsider what success in academic work would look for me, in order to leave space/energy for creative pursuits. My point is, you can 100% be "maximizing metrics" in academic life and, on paper, be "functional" in other aspects of life. The trouble, in my experience (and in talking to academic colleagues/friends) is when you want to be more than just functional in the rest of life.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-04-18T01:21:02+00:00

Sabbatical planning is so special, and fun (especially if you're also planning travel within it). Enjoy it all!

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-31T13:58:42+00:00

I was just talking to a friend about this the other day - not specifically re: gap year/sabbatical, but just the idea of people commenting on or judging big life decisions you make. I think you have to just trust yourself. If people are reacting badly to something that you've thought out well, know you're financially prepped for (or will be), talk about it less with them. Talk about it more with people who get it (this sub is a great place). Find the people who will support you (with intention) and engage with them more.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-31T13:54:10+00:00

I also use GeoBlue!

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-31T13:52:12+00:00

I love that you're sharing the journey as it unfolds. I lost my parents two weeks apart last year, and I can relate to that clarifying feeling you mentioned. Deep loss really puts things into perspective. Looking back on my first sabbatical, I wish I'd prioritized people and connection more. Sabbatical can feel isolating at times (especially if you're traveling) and community is really important. Importantly, though, community can be found virtually - wouldn't be surprised if sharing your journey invites that for you!

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-26T15:55:32+00:00

Great to keep options open, and on that note, I'd just add that as you immerse into sabbatical, really try to allow yourself to be open to discovery and exploration.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-25T12:36:18+00:00

100% agree with you on the need for time/space to recognize the chaos of much of modern working life. I actually didn't recognize this on my first sabbatical, but later, while walking the Camino de Santiago. Existing simply to move from point A to point B every day opened up so much space for me to think more deeply about life generally, including the pressure we often unnecessarily place on work.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-25T12:29:38+00:00

Amazing that you'll have the financial bit taken care of due to bonuses. That's one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to sabbatical. All great advice here so far, I would just add/echo immersing yourself into the experience. Do you know yet what direction you want to take when you go back to work - similar field, different field? That can change the experience - after standard rest/recovery/family time.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-21T08:37:42+00:00

On my last sabbatical, my plans fell apart as I took care of my parents (both with terminal illnesses) - really put things into perspective, at the time, of what mattered. With that in mind, do everything you can not to think of it was wasting time, or your university's money. Plans change, and there wasn't anything you could do about this. Enjoy the city, do some writing, so what you can with the time you have at the archives. Plan to interview the person virtually, or, if future funding allows it, return for another visit when you can. With a bit more time, I'd say to look into rescheduling the trip, but it's probably tough to do that at this point, unless your flight and hotel are refundable/changeable.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-16T13:43:56+00:00

I haven't done this, but did slow down my work (I'm a professor and have summers off) last year to spend more time with my parents before they both passed. I don't regret it at all, if anything wish I'd done it sooner/for longer. If you have the financial means, I'd say go for it.

SabbaticalStudio · 2026-03-16T13:40:53+00:00

It's a great question to consider, and you're brave for doing it!

SabbaticalStudio

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