This is my second sabbatical time and I am really not depressed or down about this fact. Infact I think everyone should take some time off for themselves and do an indepth soul searching to gain inner peace (Inner peace - reminds me of the movie Kung-Fu Panda 2).
Few people I have met recently were in a shock to know that I have done it yet again and some might have termed me as careless and a psycho freak (lol)..but then its my decision and am happy about it. Why a sabbatical is looked upon as a break in a career or as a growth dampener? I think this is the best time to dwelve upon your failures, work on improving your weakness and further strengthen your strong points. It is the best time to take up a hobby and fulfill your desire of doing something you always wanted to do it but couldnt because of time/money constraints.
My sabbatical always reminds me of my school summer vacations like getting up late, eating ghar ka khana for lunch, strolling out, painting, doing fun stuff, watching TV in the noon...wow its like going back to those rosy days (isn't it).
Sadly, in India the professional environment is not yet employee friendly. A break is really not encouraged or looked upon as a cool thing to do. Infact I don't understand why our life should revolve around work or I would say work revolves around our life. In a day around 70-80% of the time is spent on work (includes travelling) and even when we are back at home, most of us are thinking of the plan for the next day...well sounds like a true professional..great, it should be like this but chilllll...we are here not just to work but also to enjoy life and special moments. Work is a medium for anyone of us to keep our life moving, it provides us money so that we can take of our materialiastic & food needs. It should not be the only thing to keep us going. When we all understand this fact I guess life would be less stressful.
So when do you get time to enjoy nature and life...only on saturdays and sundays? Shouldn't it be everyday? It can be if we really know how to balance work and life and when an organisation really understands this and encourages their employees to enjoy life and those special moments. I am sure that it will only help to boost the company's productivity and create less stressful moments.
But do remember few basic things before taking up a sabbatical (quick tips):
- Ensure you have enough back up finance that can help you sustain atleast your daily needs
- This is the best time to spend less and enjoy life with minimalistic needs
- This is the time for your to learn to live with basic things
- Visit places, meet new people, take up a hobby course or learn something new
- Read new stuff, upgrade your skills if need be
- Be as close as to nature as possible, it will help you de-stress
- Work on your weakness and polish your strong points
- Prepare yourself to accept any challenge with a positve outlook and with confidence
Advice: People who are forced to take up a sabbatical should just relax and take it as if you have taken up this sabbatical and something best is stored in for you. So, ALL THE BEST! REST WILL BE BEST. ;)
