| I took a year sabbatical in 2017/2018. I was 55. Everyone I spoke to said I was mad, and that I'd never work again (I had been mostly contracting/freelancing over the previous 15 years). I am so glad I didn't listen to them! I worked on side projects and general learning, and spent a month in South East Asia. Here's what happened: 1) Noticeable increase in physical and mental well being 2) Slept better 3) Ate better 4) Learned loads 5) Had plenty of down time and lots of long country walks 6) Caught up on a lot of reading. 7) Spent time mountain biking with my brother and then putting the world to rights over coffee in small, quiet coffee shops (Don't underestimate this one - the brain needs it). It was absolute bliss. Never a dull moment. I came to two important conclusions. 1) The current work environment for permanent workers is absolutely toxic - toxic to creativity, productivity, problem-solving and mental and physical health. 2) To see opportunity you have to lift your nose from the grindstone now and then. Since the break my freelancing business (which I run on the side) has exploded (more work than I want). I am also working on a web app that could easily be a 10K a month business - in a niche I knew absolutely nothing about before the break (it's travel hacking related). Advice: 1) Get plenty of down time, esp. time outside. 2) Get plenty of time with your brain (and phone) switched off. 3) Don't feel you have to be productive (counterintuitive, but this takes the pressure off and you end up more productive). 4) Travel (wonderful way to grow your mind - live among the locals rather than a five star expat enclave). 5) Explore areas that are completely new to you. I did this by being inquisitive and often just jumping around on YouTube, and checking out niche areas. 6) Most of all - enjoy the year off! All the best! |