I Took 6 Months Away From My Business (here's what happened)

We haven't shared this publicly, but last year Shay took a complete six month sabbatical from work. Absolutely no work for six months. And for the first time ever, we're going to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and the awesome of taking six months away from her company.

Summary

In this conversation, Shay shares her experience of taking a six-month sabbatical from work. She discusses the reasons behind her decision, including the need to rest, reconnect with family, and rediscover her creative side. Shay explains the terms of her sabbatical, which involved completely disconnecting from work and setting boundaries with her team. She reflects on the two halves of his sabbatical, the challenges she faced, and the transformation she experienced. Shay also discusses the practical steps he took to manage her sabbatical and the changes she made upon returning to work. In this conversation, Shay discusses her experience of taking a sabbatical and the benefits it brought to her life and work. She emphasizes the importance of creating space for something new and changing the rhythm of life to maintain energy and passion. Shay also highlights the value of maintaining slowness and margin in daily routines. She explores the benefits of taking a sabbatical, including rest and self-reflection, and the need for fundamental changes upon returning to work. Shay expresses gratitude for the support of her team and shares her excitement for a beach trip.

Takeaways

• Taking a sabbatical can provide an opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family.
• Setting clear boundaries and disconnecting from work completely is essential for a successful sabbatical.
• Building a non-owner dependent business and team allows for a smoother transition during a sabbatical.
• Slowing down, creating space for reflection, and engaging in life-giving activities can lead to personal growth and clarity.
• Returning to work after a sabbatical may involve redefining roles and finding a new balance.
• Creating space for something new is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Changing the rhythm of life can lead to increased energy and productivity.
• Maintaining slowness and margin allows for a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
• Taking a sabbatical provides rest and an opportunity for self-reflection and fundamental changes.
• Support from the team is crucial in making a sabbatical successful.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Sabbatical
06:08 Reasons for Taking a Sabbatical
10:26 The Impact of Work on Family Life
14:31 The Terms of the Sabbatical
19:28 Hopes and Expectations for the Sabbatical
22:37 Two Halves of the Sabbatical
26:14 The Transformation and Benefits of the Sabbatical
35:12 Practical Steps to Manage the Sabbatical
41:48 Returning to Work and the Future
43:48 Creating Space for Something New
44:16 Changing Rhythm of Life
45:11 Maintaining Slowness and Margin
46:34 Benefits of Taking a Sabbatical
48:03 Fundamental Changes
49:04 Support from the Team