Thinking about taking a sabbatical?
Working really long hours, with a huge burden of responsibility, coffee & fast-food based, sedentary and away from social life. This scenario was definitely the best spark on my desire to launch myself on a sabbatical period. The decision to abandon the comfort zone, my friends, my family, my job, material goods, and launch myself in a completely unknown world, was not simple at all. I had almost no support, common reactions of my decision were: “-Did you got crazy?” (Work friends) “-Do you think is really worth the risk?” (Close friends) ”-What if something happens to you while you are abroad?” (Mother)
It was a very hard decision, based strongly on my intuition. Today, almost 5 years later, I look back and can say that was the best decision of my entire life. My first plan was a year break that ended up on a four year journey around the world. What have I learned during all this period? I probably can’t describe in words how this experience changed completely the way I see the world. On the other hand, I can give ideas on 7 main lessons learned and here are they, BIG LORD:
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BELIEVE: Whether you think you can or you can’t, you are right. (Henry Ford)
Everyone has the ability to attract into their lives whatever they are focusing on, this is the law of attraction. You should not follow what society expect for you, instead you should define your own future. As higher you dream, as higher your achievements will be. Every single human being is responsible for their dreams to come true. If I have never quitted my office job in 2014 I wouldn’t be able to have seen 111 countries before 30!
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INSIST: Our struggles develop our strengths.
Strength does not come from winning. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. Learning from our own mistakes is the best way to establish a long term knowledge. In New Zealand, while living in a car with my girlfriend, our door lock broke and we spend an entire day to fix it ourselves instead of spending 400 USD in the Mechanic shop. We only regret the changes we didn’t take!
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GRATITUDE & EMPATHY: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Empathy is defined as the ability to understand the thoughts, feelings or emotions of someone else. Put yourself in the position of the others. While working as a housekeeper in New Zealand I could understand how hard this job was. Nowaday, I always leave chocolates while checking-out of a room. I taught English for kids in Thailand and Myanmar in a way to pay back the incredible experiences I had in those countries. If you regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things you’re thankful for, you will be able to experience more positive emotions, express more compassion and kindness, feel more alive, sleep better, and even have stronger immune systems.
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LEARN: As more experiences you have, as more you learn about you and the world.
Mahatma Gandhi said: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Trying different things allow you to discover what you like and dislike. This way, as more experiences you have, as more you learn about your talents, strong points and vocation. I would never know that I like so much scuba diving and sailing if I have never tried it!
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OPEN YOUR MIND: If you want different results you have to try different approaches.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. While arriving in Bali Airport in Indonesia and being charged 30 USD for a taxi ride I chose to walk almost one kilometer away from the arrival lounge and managed to enter in a taxi that accepted to use the taximeter. In the end, I payed only 3 USD to get to my hostel. In Australia, while hitchhiking, a sign written “Freshly Showered” was the best bait to catch generous drivers.
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RESPECT: We should always avoid prejudice and appreciate the diversity.
No matter where they come from, how they look like, what they do, all of us are human beings and must be respected. People think in different ways in each society and this happens according to the background and the heritage of the culture. I learned to appreciate the diferences. Being in touch with another ways of thinking, another lifestyles, can spread your mind for the infinite possibilities. In Myanmar I was hosted by a Buddhist Monk and I truly believe it was one of the most interesting cultural experiences I have ever had.
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DETACH: The root of suffering is attachment. (Buddha)
Detachment is the feeling that you have of not being personally involved in something or of having no emotional interest in it. If you have a car and you must repair a defect, you suffer. If someone steal your mobile phone, you suffer. One of the reasons Buddhist monks are bold is because hair is an attachment to the Ego. Detaching from things will allow you freedom and peace of mind. People can take any material good from you, but no one can take your knowledge away.
Will you survive after a sabbatical period?
You will probably be a complete different person, much more mature and patient with people around you. You will also be more wise and aware of what is really worth to spend your energy with. If is you time now or later, or you have already done one, going on a sabbatical will definitely change the way you see the world! Thinking about taking a career break? GOOD LUCK!