Paid time off: three words every employee loves to hear. Hustle culture has warped our minds into thinking we must work non-stop. But guess what? There’s a term in the travel industry called a “travel sabbatical”.
Life isn’t just about work. That’s not to say you can’t find fulfillment in your career, but it shouldn’t be all-consuming. For those who believe in taking time off and breaking away from the daily grind, a travel sabbatical might be your next power move.
Especially if you’re a Black woman.
What is a travel sabbatical, anyway?
A typical sabbatical is common in education, like when a university professor takes extended time off to travel, research, or teach abroad. A travel sabbatical is the same concept: an employee takes a break from work to pursue other interests, like exploring the world.
Unlike quitting your job to travel, during a sabbatical, you’re still employed, but you’re not expected to be in the office or fulfill your regular duties. Remember those pupil-free days back in school? A sabbatical is like that, but longer, usually around 3 to 6 months (though the length depends on the person).
Five Reasons to Take a Sabbatical (Especially as a Black Woman)
There are serious benefits that Black women can gain from packing a suitcase and catching a flight. Let’s get into it.
Freedom
Kathy Hampton, founder and creator of WellSide Retreats, took a four-month sabbatical and said that her number one reason was for freedom.
The concept of freedom resonates deeply in the Black community. Our ancestors fought for it, and now we have the power to reshape what freedom means to us as Black women. In this case, freedom can mean breaking away from the restraints of a job, waking up when you want, setting your schedule, being spontaneous, and going through life a little lighter.
Experience life without the societal pressures and tension of the United States
While I haven’t taken a travel sabbatical, I did move abroad to Spain and learned something about the work culture in the States. It can be toxic. People from other areas, like Latin America and Europe, fully disconnect when they finish their work day—a sense of liberation I never felt in the States because I was constantly taking my work home with me. This is something I saw my mother do as well. It’s like the concept of homework continued after graduating.
This is the toxic aspect of work culture in the United States, as it can be all-consuming. A constant focus on work can lead to burnout. Long-term burnout can lead to insomnia, depression, or other illnesses. Taking a travel sabbatical can take you out of a toxic work environment.
Shar Wynter, founder, and CEO of Xpat, Inc., wrote to BGN and accurately expressed the need for Black women to take a sabbatical. She stated, “You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick, so I think for many Black women, traveling is an essential part of our sabbatical process as it allows us to unplug from toxic environments and decompress in a safe space.”
Witness another way of life
Although the United States is a melting pot of different cultures, many people have assimilated into the American way of life regardless of their cultural background. This means that the cultures we see in America are a small window into the cultures and people around the world.
Hampton mentioned that she took a sabbatical from her job and career to understand what she was missing. “I traveled and visited a small part of the world. I also got to see where I might want to live before retiring.”
An opportunity to explore other passions
I’m not sure about you, but I become more adventurous whenever I travel. I want to try different foods, climb mountains, dance with strangers, etc. Being in a new environment, surrounded by new people, can help you bring out different sides of your personality. It allows you to try new things and discover interesting parts of life because the opportunity is readily available.
As someone who danced while growing up in the States, I can confidently say that my experience dancing while traveling and being abroad has completely changed how I feel in my body. While traveling, I’ve taken salsa, bachata, kizomba, flamenco, and champeta dance classes. Discovering different styles of dance opened me up to new rhythms and cultures.
You can come back recharged or set your life on a new path
If you’re not quite happy with your job, you’re probably thinking about jumping on a plane tomorrow. But what if you like your job but are feeling a little burnt out? You might be wondering if a sabbatical is right for you. The answer is yes.
There are two main benefits of travel sabbatical. One is the opportunity for rest. If you take a sabbatical focused on rest, you can return to your job refreshed and refocused.
The second benefit of a travel sabbatical is the cultural emergence or exploration. You’re bound to learn something you can take back and apply to your career. Maybe you learn a different language, understand different management styles, or even explore how to work and collaborate across different cultures.
Tips for going on a sabbatical
Now, let’s take this article from theory into practice. Here are some steps you can take to start your sabbatical process.
- Check employee handbooks, manuals, or other material to see if your job has a policy on sabbaticals.
- Talk to others who have been on a sabbatical. Perhaps you know someone at your job who took a sabbatical; if not, you can reach out to people online.
- Be prepared: Before asking your boss, make sure you have a solid reason why they should grant you a sabbatical. Ultimately, you should show that your time away benefits not only you but also the company.
- Have a plan to cover your responsibilities. If you have a plan for how your work can be covered in your absence, your boss might be more inclined to grant you the time off.
- A closed mouth doesn’t get fed. At the end of the day, having a conversation can lead to a yes. Keep in mind that these conversations don’t have to be one-and-done; they can happen over a period of time.
- Get support. If you feel completely overwhelmed by starting the process, there is a whole network of women you can reach out to for support. The Exodus Summit is one example of an event where you can find other women who have taken or are about to start their sabbatical.
I will end this article with the cliche saying that life is short, and most people don’t regret not working enough but regret working too much. Taking a sabbatical may be the right thing to do for your career and life.
