My Journey To Taking A Sabbatical.
Today, I’m sharing with you the journey that led to my sabbatical and ultimately chasing my dreams.

Let’s rewind to 2021. August 16, 2021. This is the moment my life changed – the loss of my father. Let me tell you, it wrecked me. My life got flipped and turned upside down. I was consumed by the depths of depression and grief.

Grief changes you in so many unimaginable ways. It dims your light, steals your joy, changes the way you see the world and your place in the world. My light, my joy, my happiness, and my purpose were all gone.

Grief is a personal and isolating journey that we all navigate in our own unique way. My grief was physically making me sick. I suddenly developed high blood pressure and heart arrythmia. (I’m fine now!) I was faced with the stark reality that I had a choice. I could allow grief and depression to consume me, or I could choose life. I chose life. I chose to find joy, happiness, and purpose.

I didn’t know how I was going to find joy. I didn’t know if it was even possible. How do you find joy after the heartbreaking loss of your parent? As I write this, I can still hear my grief counselor’s voice telling me that joy and grief can co-exist. Now, this was absolute madness and bull—-. It seemed impossible. Yet, I knew I had to find a sliver of light.

My spirit kept screaming, “I have to go.” I didn’t know where. I didn’t care where I went. I just knew I had to go. I asked myself – “when are you the happiest?” “When do you feel the freest?” It didn’t take long to find the answer. Traveling! Traveling has never failed me. It’s when I feel most alive, my truest, and happiest self. I have always dreamt of living in another country. But it always felt like that, a dream.

Thus, I made the decision to take a sabbatical. I was fortunate in that I knew my job offered a one year leave of absence. Yes, I could take one year off and return to my job in the same role. But even if that weren’t the case, I would’ve still packed my bags and embarked on this journey.

To say that the idea of taking a sabbatical raised a few eyebrows would be an understatement. I mean, coming from a Jamaican immigrant background where the path was clear—go to school, get a job, climb the corporate ladder—the idea of walking away from it all was crazy.

The idea of a sabbatical wasn’t a common concept known amongst people in my community. Yes, I’ve heard of sabbaticals for those in academia. I have never personally known anyone who has taken a sabbatical. A lawyer on sabbatical was a foreign concept. This was the epitome of life off the beaten path.

Then there were those who thought I was running from the pain. I wasn’t running away from my life or the pain. I faced it head on – the pain, grief, and depression. I sat in the pain for months. I acknowledged the pain. I allowed myself to feel all the feels – in living every day, in therapy, in grief counseling, and in my grief support group.

In hindsight, maybe I was running. I was running towards something. Running for myself. Running for my life. It was the best decision I have ever made!

Now, it was grief that led me to take a leap of faith. Your reason for wanting to take a sabbatical may be completely different from mine. Here’s the thing, we all have our own path in life, and that’s okay. There is no “right” or “wrong” reason for taking a sabbatical. You may be thinking of a sabbatical for your mental health, personal growth, or just a desire for adventure.

I’m excited to share my journey and adventures with you.

Feel free to share below, what’s your motivation for taking a sabbatical?

Until next time, Let’s Wander!

Roadmap To My Sabbatical: The Plan

So, let me walk you through the journey of planning my sabbatical and how it all unfolded.

After my health scare and making the decision to choose life (click here if you missed the blog post link to my journey for sabbatical article 1), the fog began to clear, from the depression and grief, I asked myself 3 simple questions:

1. Where do I want to go?
2. What do I want to do?
3. How will I make money?

Instantly, I remembered all the times I dreamt of living in Europe. Taking siestas. Hanging out at cafés. Sipping delicious red wine. Learning a language. Living in an apartment with French doors and a tiny balcony. Europe was calling!

As much as my spirit was screaming at me, “you have to go,” I couldn’t be reckless. I couldn’t jump on the first flight out of New York and completely abandon my life. Or could I? Trust me, I wanted to say – “to hell with it all.” A sabbatical was a wild enough idea. So, I did the smart thing and took several months to create a plan.

When this adventure began, I had a partner-in-crime. We used to daydream together about ditching our routine and exploring the world. Now, I was ready. It wasn’t just a dream.

The moment I mentioned my burning desire to “just go,” we knew we had to make it happen together. It was fantastic to have someone to bounce ideas off, dive into research, and brainstorm our wildest plans during the preparation phase.

When I shared my yearning to “just go,” we decided to make it happen together. It was awesome to have someone to share ideas with, research, and brainstorm during the planning stage.

Spoiler alert: We planned everything together; moved to Bordeaux, France; and spent two amazing months there. Then, we went our separate ways and ended the friendship.

January 2022
✨Phase one: Teach English abroad.

This is a pretty common option for those who want to live and travel abroad.

Why Teach English? I thought about what I wanted – to live in another country for at least one year. As a former Immigration Attorney, I knew Teaching English Abroad would allow me to live and work abroad for one year. This would make me eligible for a one-year visa that would provide me with a work permit, allowing me to lawfully work in the country.

I wanted stability. Comfort. Roots. Immersion. A new lifestyle. Teaching English would give me the flexibility and freedom to create my own schedule and work when I wanted. I would also be able to wander around Europe.
✨I interviewed and was accepted to a school in Spain. The red flags were waving in my face, and something felt off. I quickly ditched that plan.

✨Spoiler alert: I was right and a few months later, those suspicions were confirmed, and the school closed.

February – March 2022
✨Phase two: Learn French.

Why not? It’s the language of love. And it resurfaced that long forgotten dream of working at the United Nations. French is one of the official working languages. Also, and most importantly, Paris is one of my favorite cities.

✨I spent months researching: universities, cost of living, visa, housing, healthcare, and creating budgets.

April 2022
✨It’s real! I enrolled and paid my tuition for the University. This was no longer a dream.

May 2022
✨I took the placement test to determine my course level for enrollment. This was a no-brainer to me… Level 1. That test was hard. Well, my French consisted of the basics “oui, bonjour, bonsoir, and merci” and a few other words I picked up on Duolingo. Trust, that was no match for the placement test.
✨I got a realtor and began the process of renting my apartment.

June 2022
This was a busy month!
✨I requested a one-year “leave of right” aka sabbatical from work.
✨I submitted my application to the French Consulate for my visa.
✨I booked an Airbnb for 1 month.
✨I began searching for a rental apartment. Whew, that was a headache! There are inherent challenges when you’re in a different country looking for housing. Websites are great, but nothing is going to beat being able to go and see an apartment in person. There are a lot of rules, regulations, and bureaucracy with renting an apartment in France. I ran into issues with having to provide proof of residency, needing a French guarantor, and avoiding online rental scams.
✨I kept an eye on student housing as an absolute last ditch backup plan. I was not feeling the idea of student housing. Let’s be real, I am in my 30’s. Living my best life, isn’t me living in a dorm.

July 2022
✨I booked my one-way ticket to Bordeaux, France.
✨The night before my visa interview, despite my best efforts and months of research, I found out I missed a crucial step in the visa process.
✨During the process, I joined several groups for expats and students in France. I saw a post from a woman who recently completed the visa interview process, and I sent her a message. She’s an amazing woman who was also a lawyer, moving to France, with a passion and talent for pastries. She blew my mind, mentioning an entire step of the process, that I completely skipped. All students who want to study in France, must apply with “Campus France” before applying for a visa. Talk about mind blown, because how did I miss that?
✨I stayed up frantically researching and submitting my application through Campus France.

August 2022
✨My visa application wasn’t accepted at the Consulate. And with that, I scrapped the idea of learning French.
✨ “Bon Voyage Fete” with my family and friends.
✨I packed up my apartment and moved everything into storage.

September 2022
✨On September 2nd, I left New York on a one-way ticket and one month accommodation in Bordeaux, France.
✨I didn’t have a plan. It didn’t matter. I was leaving.
Thus, was born my motto, “living on faith and vibes.”
You know that saying – “things fall apart, for better things to come together”? The truth is, I didn’t really have an intense burning desire to Teach English or learn French. Was I excited by the possibility? Yes. Was I bummed when it didn’t work out? No. Looking back, I can say, I hit all those roadblocks, because it wasn’t the path meant for me.

All my plans falling apart was the best thing that could have happened. I didn’t know it then, but I needed absolute freedom. I was truly free to embrace the unknown, to wander, to explore and to live.

Let’s share stories, tell me where are you in your sabbatical planning journey?

Until next time, Let’s Wander!

Navigating Finances: How Much Money Do You Need To Take A Sabbatical?

Now, let’s get to the big question. Can I afford to take a sabbatical? It’s the elephant in the room, so let’s talk about it. I’m sharing all the steps I took to figure out all thing’s money and sabbatical. Hopefully, my journey will help you to figure out how much money you need for your sabbatical.

I know talking about money isn’t always easy. Some of us hide and don’t like looking at our debt. It’s me! I’m talking about me. I get it, it can be overwhelming.

However, that dream of living in another country, traveling the world, or whatever it is that you desire for your sabbatical rests on understanding your financial situation.

Here are the 7 steps to determine your finances:

Step 1: Calculate your debt.
First, let’s tackle our debt. This was my number one priority, because reducing my debt meant one less bill, one less expense, and that any money I saved could be dedicated to covering my living expenses on sabbatical.

Tip 1: Pull all your statements to calculate your debt and monthly expenses.
So, let’s assess our debt obligations, examples include, but are not limited to: credit cards, rent/mortgage, student loans, and car loan.

Now, I’m a single woman. I have no children. I don’t own a car. But I do have a mortgage. Having fewer responsibilities, like not having to worry about a significant other, kids or car expenses, made it easier to make the financial changes to afford a sabbatical. And hey, just to be clear, this isn’t saying that if you’ve got those responsibilities, you can’t make a sabbatical happen.

First, I pulled my credit card statements and calculated my debt.

Next, I pulled my mortgage statement. No, I wasn’t planning to pay off my mortgage. That would be highly ambitious. It’s no surprise, but housing is my biggest in expense and I needed to know how much I spent in total each month. It was no-brainer, I knew the only way my sabbatical dreams would be a reality was to rent my apartment. Once I knew the total for my housing, I could figure out how much I needed to rent my apartment for to break even.

Finally, as for student loans, I didn’t consider this in my debt. Thankfully, student loan payments were paused when I took a sabbatical and this wasn’t a concern. As student loan payments have restarted, you many need to calculate your monthly payments and check with your loan provider for repayment options.

Step 2: Calculate savings and investment accounts.

Now, let’s dive into our savings and investment accounts.

Tip 2: Pull all your bank and investment statements to calculate your savings.
Looking at your savings will give you a better overall snapshot of your financial circumstances. Knowing where you are financially, will help you to figure out how to get to your ultimate savings goal and a yearloNavigating Finances: How Much Money Do You Need To Take A Sabbatical?
ng sabbatical.

I pulled all my savings statements and tallied the numbers. Now, I knew how much money I owed and how much money I already had saved. This was my starting point! This showed me the big picture of where I was and the financial gap I would have to bridge to get where I wanted to go – a year filled with unforgettable memories.

Step 3: Consider the impact of using your savings.

If you have savings, before you start dipping into those funds, consider the long-term impact of using your savings – cash or investments.

Tip 3: Ask yourself:
What is the long-term impact of using your savings?
Will using your savings prevent you from reaching your long-term goals?
How do you feel about delaying your long-term goals?

I decided to use my cash savings. Using investment accounts was a hard no. Savings will return to me in the future, but I was unwilling to give up years of compound growth that I generated from investments. I wasn’t going to push retirement even further out. I’m ready to retire now, as it is!

Step 4: Create an everyday budget.
This is where the real work starts. I know a budget isn’t sexy, and maybe you think of it as sacrificing and restrictive. If that’s you, then it will be important to change your mindset.

A budget is a tool to get you to your dream. Think of your values. What do you value the most? Values are the guiding light, it’s your north star. My values are: freedom, security, and creating a once in a lifetime experience. Use your values to motivate you towards reaching your goals.
Tip 4: When creating your budget ask yourself:
What are my fixed expenses? Fixed expenses are costs that remain the same in price and frequency. For example: rent/mortgage, loan repayment, and subscriptions.
What are my variable expenses? Variable expenses are costs that fluctuate and can change regularly. For example: groceries, utilities, and entertainment.
What are my one-time expenses? These are nonrecurring expense that happen with less frequency. These are the ones that catch me by surprise. For example: annual membership fees.
Here’s the template I used to create my budget.
Step 5: Create a Sabbatical budget.
Now, it’s research time! To know how much money you’ll need, you’ll have to know how much things cost.

My goals in creating my sabbatical budget was to figure out three things:
How much money do I need to live comfortably?
What is the cost-of-living index?
How far can your dollar stretch?
Tip 5: The 5 important things to consider in your research and budget:
Accommodation – this is a significant item and possibly the biggest expense in any budget. Compare prices on Airbnb, hotel websites, and rental sites.
Food – consider the cost of groceries and dining out.
Transportation – cost of public transportation, taxis, flights, and proximity to an international airport hub.
Entertainment – cost of tours, concerts, attractions, and any fun activities.
Health/Personal –health care expenses, personal care, and miscellaneous expenses.

And don’t forget those recurring bills at home – they won’t take a sabbatical just because you are.

Step 6: Savings Goal.
Now, you’ve got all your numbers! You know how much money you owe, how much you have, and how much you need.

If you’re screaming at me “Kitanya, I don’t have nearly enough money for my sabbatical.” Don’t worry! Let’s figure out a plan to get you there.

First, let’s set SMART goals.
Specific – how much money do you need to save?
Let’s use $50,000 as our savings goal.
Measurable – how much do you want to save each day, week, or month?
If you have 12 months to save $50,000, that’s about $4,167 per month or about $137 per day.
Achievable – is this achievable?
Check your budget to figure out if $137 per day is achievable.
Realistic – is this a realistic goal?
How can I save $137 every day?

Time-bound goals – what is your deadline to meet your savings goals?
Set a clear deadline, “my goal is to save $50,000 in 12 months by December 31, 2024.”

Now, I know you probably read this and said, “Kitanya, this is impossible.” This was just an example. And, spoiler alert, this wasn’t achievable or realistic for me either.

So, what do you do when your goal isn’t achievable or realistic?

Tip 6: Be flexible. Be open to pivot. Re-evaluate. Come up with another plan.

Fifty thousand may be your ideal savings goal to fund your sabbatical for an entire year. However, maybe you don’t need to have the entire $50,000 at once.

I re-evaluated and asked myself 2 questions:
What is my “comfort” number?
How much money will I feel comfortable, safe, and secure to leave my job?

This “comfort” number was only a buffer to buy myself time on sabbatical to figure out additional income.

My ultimate savings goal was 6 months of living expenses. The “rule of finance” is “to save 6 months of living expenses for an emergency.” My “comfort” number was $20,000. It was the number that made me feel most comfortable and secure to take this leap of faith. This buffer gave me peace of mind to enjoy my sabbatical without worrying about money.

Step 7: Boost your income.

The reality is, you might have created a budget, cut expenses, and still fall short of your savings goal.

It’s time to get creative! You may need to boost your income. It may be time for you to tap into the freelance and gig economy.

Ask yourself:
How can I boost my income?
What skills do I have that can make some extra cash?
What side hustles can I pick up?

Tip 7: If you’re creative, sell your artwork. If you have a car and time, drive rideshare. If you love animals, open a pet-sitting or dog-walking business.

I’m a lawyer and I’ve practiced in a few areas of law. So, I picked up a few extra clients outside of my day job.

Now, you’ve got everything you need to figure out how much money you need to take a sabbatical.

As always, don’t hesitate to share your journey and drop any questions below. I’m happy to help and share my experience.

Until next time, Let’s Wander!

Packing Tips for a Year-Long Adventure
Ever wondered how to pack for a whirlwind one-year trip around the world when you have no clue where you’re going? Well, let me tell you all about it! If you’re new, check out my sabbatical journey here! (link back to article number 1)
Now, you know that feeling of staring in your suitcase and thinking “I need outfits for a night-out, something casual and cute, a backup outfit, something if the weather changes, and oh of course, I’m going to work out?” Or is that just me?
I didn’t know where to start with packing. I was overwhelmed. What exactly were my necessities? How many of each item did I need? How do I pack for multiple climates? Talk about a challenge!
Here’s what I did know – I wanted to pack light! I’ve always been #teamcarryon. I wanted to be able to freely move around without lugging a bunch of stuff. Spoiler alert – that was a fail! I left New York with a checked luggage, carry on, and backpack.
Here are 5 tips I picked up to help you plan for long term travel:
Keep it minimal with your wardrobe. Check out minimalist wardrobes or capsule wardrobes.
Choose pieces that you can easily mix and match.
Opt for versatile pieces that easily transition from day to night.
Layer up – it’s a game-changer.
Ditch that outfit you’ve been ignoring in your closet for ages! You won’t wear it.

Now, let’s talk about what I packed for this whirlwind adventure:

Intimates:
2 pajamas
2 swimsuit
1 scarf
Undies
Bras
Socks

Athleisure
3 leggings
3 shirts
3 sport bras
1 short tights
1 Gym sneakers

Tops
3 T- Shirts
3 Button down
3 sweaters
11 bodysuits ( sleeveless & long sleeve)
1 Fleece sweater
1 Leather Jacket
1 Fall jacket

Bottoms
2 jeans
2 skirt
4 Shorts
3 Chic leggings
1 Fleece leggings

Dresses
5 Going out dresses
3 casual dresses

Shoes
2 sandals
2 sneakers
1 Water shoes
1 high heel

Face
Toothbrush
Waterpik
Sunscreen
Face soap
Rose water
Vitamin C serum
Hyaluronic serum
2 Eyebrow pencil
1 Chapstick
1 Lipstick
Makeup & brushes

Body
2 Perfume
1 Deodorant
Washcloth

Hair
Combs/Brush
Bonnet
Head scarf
Satin pillowcase

Handbags
1 Tote Bag
1 crossbody
1 reusable bag

Electronics (+chargers)
Phone
Computer
International charger
Portable charger
Surge protector

Health
Medication (Tylenol, bacitracin, etc)
Heating pad
Bp machine
Ice pack
Vitamins
Biofreeze

Misc
Journal
Hand sanitizer
Travel Sewing kit
Collapsible water bottle
Elmo
Umbrella

Looking back, I can tell you I didn’t touch 95% of the things I packed. Does anyone ever end up wearing everything you pack? I never do!
After three months, I ditched my checked luggage in London and wandered around just me, my carry-on suitcase, and backpack.
Also, major shout out to my friends I saw along the way who I sent things home with in Portugal and Bangkok.
Now it’s your turn – what’s going in your suitcase for your sabbatical or long-term travels? Drop a comment below and let’s swap packing stories!

Until next time, Let’s Wander!

From Chaos to Carry-On
Ever wondered how on earth I managed to wander around the world for months with nothing but a carry-on and a backpack? If you’re new, make sure to catch up on how it all began right here. (link back to article number 1)

When this whirlwind adventure began, I was lugging around a checked suitcase, a carry-on, and a backpack. As the adventure unfolded, I embraced the minimalist lifestyle. It became easier to shed unnecessary baggage – both literally and metaphorically.

I like to think that I’ve left a piece of me in every country I’ve visited. But I’ve also picked up new finds and digs in each country. Here’s my golden rule for traveling: Out with the old, in with the new! For every new item of clothing I picked up, I got rid of (donated or trashed) an item of old clothing.

Now, let’s talk about what’s in my bag:

CLOTHES
1 pajamas
2 leggings (1 exercise, 1 casual)
1 sweater
1 button down shirt
2 swimsuits
2 shorts
2 pants
4 dresses
5 T-shirts
Undies
Socks
Bra

SHOES
2 sandals
1 sneaker
1 watershoes

FACE
Toothbrush
Waterpik
Sunscreen
Face soap
Rose water
Vitamin C serum
2 Eyebrow pencil
1 Chapstick
1 Lipstick

BODY
1 Perfume
1 Deodorant
1 Body oil
Washcloth
Microfiber towel
Travel blanket

HAIR
Comb & Brush
4 satin hair clips
Bonnet
Headscarf

ACCESSORIES
1 hat
1 watch
1 Reusable Tote bag
1 Belt bag
2 Sunglasses

HEALTH
Medication

ELECTRONICS (+chargers)
Phone
Computer
Camera
DJI
Go Pro
International charger
Portable charger
Surge protector

Let’s swap stories! What’s in your bag? Can you travel long term with carry-on only? What’s the longest you’ve traveled with only your carry-on?

Until next time, Let’s Wander!

Navigating the Career Crossroads:
Will Taking A Sabbatical Impact Your Career?

I know you’re thinking it, so let’s talk about it – will taking a sabbatical impact your career? The short answer is… it depends! I know this isn’t the answer you want to hear but let’s talk about it.
There are 3 key factors that will determine a sabbatical’s impact on your career, such as: your career level, industry, and workplace culture.
5 questions to consider:
Career level:
Are you just starting out, or are you a pro with several years of experience?

Industry:
Is your field known for being supportive of sabbaticals or extended leave?
Will taking a sabbatical be viewed favorably as a dedication to personal growth?

Workplace culture:
Do you work in an environment where you feel pressured and restricted in taking time off?
Is taking time off viewed as lacking commitment or dedication to your job?

Only you can assess the nuances to know if taking a sabbatical will impact your career. While I can’t answer those questions for you and I can’t make this decision for you I can share my experience.
Why would a sabbatical impact my career?
Now, in some industries and workplaces, taking time off is frowned upon. I would love to say that we live in a world that would not penalize you for taking a break. After all, if you’re American, then you know that we live in a workaholic culture. We’re known as the “No Vacation Nation.”
Not so fun fact: Did you know that in the U.S., there are no laws requiring employers to provide paid time off?

Taking a sabbatical may cause your boss to start giving you the side eye because suddenly you’re viewed as “not committed to your job.” Your career trajectory slows down. And that promotion becomes more elusive.

Women in high-level and demanding positions, often find themselves balancing work and the “right” time to begin a family. The reality is women’s careers have been hindered by pregnancy and maternity leave. That’s why we have laws protecting women against discrimination during pregnancy.

Any fears you may have about taking a sabbatical are very real.

Here’s my story! I’ve been an Attorney for over 10 years. I still can’t believe it! When I decided to take my sabbatical, I’d been at my job four years practicing as a Tenant’s Rights Attorney in New York City. You get the picture; I am well established in my career. My job is fast paced, notoriously stressful, the secondary trauma and burnout is very real!

My job offers a “leave of absence” with the guarantee of returning to my position after a year. This leave is meant to encourage focus on mental well-being, sustainability, and retention. I don’t work in an environment where it’s a red flag to take a vacation. I didn’t have to worry or fear that taking a one-year leave would impact my career.

Here’s the truth, even if there was no “leave of absence” or my career would have been negatively impacted, I would have taken the leap anyway. Losing my dad turned my world upside down and changed my perspective on life. Check out my story on why I took a sabbatical here (link article my sabbatical journey). I have always prioritized my mental health and well-being. I was determined to find myself again, to live loudly, boldly, and chase my dream.

So, if you’re going back and forth about taking a sabbatical, just do it! I can’t say this enough, this was the most absolute amazing and fulfilling experience of my life.

Work will always be there, whether it’s the job you have now or a different one. Take the leap and chase your dream.

Until next time, let’s wander
Navigating the Return to Work After Your Sabbatical
As you’re approaching the end of your sabbatical you’re probably thinking, “now what?”
As the end date of my sabbatical loomed over my head, I began to wonder, “what’s next?”
I was filled with a myriad of emotions. Anxiety. Melancholy. Indifference.

Was I returning to my old life – back to the same old job?
Was I going to pursue a new career?
Was I going to continue wandering around the world?

See, I spent over a year traveling. I leisurely wandered and roamed around 16 countries. I was truly living. I was present. I was in the moment. Every day was a new adventure. I wanted to continue to live the life of adventure – traveling, exploring, and unmitigated freedom.

The decision to return to work – my old life and the same job – was bittersweet. It was the practical and logical decision. I thought about what I really wanted for myself in the next year. Now, I loved traveling, but I wanted a real paycheck. I wanted to focus on my health, in a way that I couldn’t fully commit to while traveling. I wanted to just be at home. I wanted a moment of absolute stillness.

The truth is, I was too busy living my very best life and never thought about pursuing a new career or how to make this new lifestyle sustainable.

While my decision was clear to me, you may find it difficult to figure out what’s next. Trust me, I get it – figuring out your next move isn’t always easy. The good thing is, you’ve got options.

Here’s what I tell myself when I struggle with a decision, “you are not a tree, you can move!” This quote has stuck with me since I first heard it. It has given me so much freedom to make decisions. Whatever you decide, know that you’re not rooted and stuck. You’ve got the power to pivot and move.

If you’re here, chances are you’re either wondering or have already made the decision to return to work. Let’s talk about heading back to the hustle of 9 to 5 life after living your very best life.

Here’s a few tips on how you can make the transition as smooth as possible:

The Mental Prep Game
It’s all about mind over matter, right? Returning to work after a sabbatical is a significant change. Transitioning from a life of leisure and freedom to one of routines, tasks, deadlines, and expectations can be daunting.
Embrace the transition with an open mind and a positive attitude.
Set clear intentions and goals of how you envision life after your sabbatical.
Hold on to your “why” the positive reasons for rejoining the workforce. This will be your guiding light to help you to get through your transition.

Reconnect with Your Work Community
Rekindle a sense of community. Your community – at work or in life – will help you to feel supported making any transition much smoother.
Seriously, my “work wives” are the real MVPs. They are the ones who help me when I am lost. You know those moments when you have those silly questions that make you feel like you should know better? Those moments you fear being judged and don’t want to ask a supervisor or a colleague? Yea, they’re the ones that help me navigate the challenges, uncertainty, and doubt. They’re life savers and have made this transition so much easier.
Communicate with Your Manager
Now, let’s talk about all the administrative and logistical stuff.
Reach out to Human Resources about 1 – 2 months before your return to confirm your start date and coordinate completing any relevant paperwork.

Schedule a meeting with your manager to touch base.

Here’s a few things to discuss with your manager:
Find out important updates or changes in the organization, team, and your role.
Discuss a strategic plan to transition.
Express your concerns and expectations regarding a gradual ease into work. I hope you work in an environment where you’re safe to be open and transparent.
Discuss what your managers expectations of you are for the first 30, 60, or 90 days.

Setting (Realistic) Expectations
You probably won’t be jumping back in on day 1 and hitting the ground running. Give yourself grace! Allow time to reacclimate to the demands of your job.

During my sabbatical I blacked out everything work-related. It’s like it never happened. Let me tell you how much I had forgotten – I couldn’t tell you what the abbreviation of my job meant or my work address. Crazy, right? You wouldn’t have guessed this was the same job I did for four years.

I returned to work feeling like a brand-new attorney straight out of law school. I was lost. I knew nothing. It’s been months since I’ve been back, and I’m still trying to adjust.

So, if you find yourself feeling lost and struggling to match the productivity of your pre-sabbatical self, just remind yourself of your skills and knowledge. Seriously, you got this!

Time Management 101
You’ve stepped back into a world where you’re inundated with emails, meetings, and deadlines. Of course, you’re overwhelmed! Or maybe you’ve jumped right in and feel right back at home.

If you’re like me and feel overwhelmed by the culture shock, then it’s time to get organized.

Tip: The trick to managing your time is breaking larger projects into bite sized chunks.
Create a to-do list.
Prioritize your tasks.
Set realistic deadlines.

I don’t know about you, but I always think something will take less time than it does. Give yourself a buffer.
Self-Care, Always
As you get back to the grind, it will be important to hold on to the amazing memories you created on your sabbatical. That feeling of joy and love is going to lift you up and keep you sane as you navigate the working world.

I’d love to hear from you! Tell me, how are you feeling about returning to work? How would you navigate the return to work after a sabbatical? How have you navigated the return to work after an extended leave? Drop a comment below and let’s swap stories!

Until next time, Let’s Wander!