Marc Bulandr’s Post

Two years ago, I took a self-imposed sabbatical. I learned a deep lesson on that sabbatical that reared its head again during last week's vacation. ➡Professional you is bigger than your job.⬅ When I was on vacation for 6 days (4 business days), I received: - 26 texts from colleagues/mentees/mentors talking about career "stuffs" - 14 emails with consulting survey requests - 6 new network intros - 5 investor pings - 3 backchannel reference checks - Feedback on some of my writing drafts (thank you!) - Dozens of LinkedIn tags, invites, messages, and more Same thing happened on my sabbatical. I quit my job, and yet, professional me was still grinding 20 hours a week. What's the takeaway? 1. Realize, right now, that professional you extends far beyond your job. 2. Determine your own bounds of comfort when you're going to be "off the clock". What pieces of 'professional you' will be available and which won't? And what does that OOO message look like?

“How do I explain my career break to a potential employer?” That is one of the most common questions we receive. Some people are worried that taking a sabbatical might make it harder to get back in the job market later. We know sabbaticals are beneficial for the sabbatical-taker. But, from our research, we also see that employers stand to benefit. Employers who want the best for their companies should be excited to see employees taking career breaks because they are more likely to return to work with a renewed sense of passion and excitement. As Suneil said, a sabbatical is a career add. If you’re an employer and want to read more about how a sabbatical can benefit your company, you can start here: https://lnkd.in/gRRsX-Vh

Here are a couple of thoughts based on my experiences since embarking on my self-described personal sabbatical in September. I've experienced significant personal growth and learning during this time, which I can attribute to a few key factors: 1. Shift in Perspective and Mindset: When I decided to pause my intensive job search and take some time to reflect, reset, travel and plan my future path, I formalized this step by calling it a "Personal Sabbatical." This decision was a game-changer for me, enabling me to separate my identity and broader purpose from my work identity. It has also allowed me the freedom to explore new possibilities as I enter the next phase of my life and career. This change in mindset and perspective has been transformative and empowering. Being on sabbatical has given me the permission to allocate my time to various activities and pursuits, many of which are not tied to my future work. 2. Hyperconnections and Relationship Building: During this time, I have expanded the number and range of people I've connected with through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, Zoom conferences, and even postcards. I've rediscovered the art of engaging in deep discussions and gaining reciprocal insights when connecting with a diverse group of individuals with an open agenda. I'm grateful for everyone who has taken the time to engage in meaningful conversations with me over the past couple of months. This has been the most significant factor contributing to my personal growth and learning. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to have a conversation on any topic. 3. Books and a Growth Mindset: I've been voraciously consuming books in both print and audio formats. I've thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the incredible insights and depth offered by this often-neglected method of learning. It has given me the time to digest, discuss, and experiment with the knowledge I've acquired. These are just a few of the insights I've gained so far during my sabbatical. I'm acutely aware of the privilege I have in taking this break, and I'm endlessly grateful to my partner/wife for her support on this journey.

I've heard a lot about how useful and mentally rejuvenating a sabbatical year can be. Currently, I'm on a sort of sabbatical quarter – the very first time in my 18-year career with such a long gap. Below are my thoughts and observations about it. 1. Reconsidering the value of TA for business. I changed my opinion on many things I did in my career and had proud of before. The simple question has changed my mind - “Okey, finally you have it (implemented that), and now what? How does it help our business earn more money?” 2. Monthly salary is not the only possible source of income. 3. Eliminating illusions about lack of time. I thought that I don’t have time for my own projects and hobbies because I’m busy at work. Nah, I didn’t have time for them because I didn’t plan and set priorities properly. 4. Pointless Zoom calls kill your productivity. Have you ever counted how many Zoom calls you have weekly that could be easily replaced with an email or a message in Slack? Hundreds of minutes. The culture of remote working and how teams collaborate are cornerstones of team efficiency. 5. Annual planning doesn't work anymore. The world has changed. Long-term planning sets the vision but falls short in building organizational resilience and addressing external challenges. Short quarterly sprints are the most efficient in adjusting team goals. 6. A free mind generates lots more ideas. 7. People need people. I remember many times being with my team, either in offices or at events, and just thinking about meeting them filled me with joy. However, I can't recall a single happy moment when I got an invitation to another Zoom call. 8. Joy and satisfaction are meant to come from working towards goals, not just reaching the final destination. 9. Kids grow up very quickly. Brutal truth that we often forget. I'm not sure if taking a career break is necessary for gaining these insights, but that's how it happened for me. A lovely week to everyone 🤗

7 facts about taking a sabbatical everyone should understand (no matter what certain "workaholics" actually tell you) ❌ Sabbaticals are career suicide! ✅ A well-planned sabbatical can enhance your personal growth & even boost your career. ❌ You need to be rich to take a sabbatical. ✅ With proper planning & budgeting, a sabbatical is achievable for many. ❌ Sabbaticals are just extended vacations. ✅ They can be a time for learning, volunteering, or pursuing a passion project. ❌ Taking a sabbatical means you're not committed to your job. ✅ Many successful professionals take sabbaticals & return with renewed energy. ❌ Sabbaticals are only for academics or top executives. ✅ People in various professions & stages of their careers can benefit from a sabbatical. ❌ You'll fall behind in your industry if you take a sabbatical. ✅ A sabbatical can provide fresh perspectives & new skills that enhance your professional life. ❌ It's impossible to return to work after a sabbatical. ✅ Many return to their careers after a sabbatical, often with a clearer sense of purpose. Happy planning your sabbatical! PS What would you add? #sabbatical

✨ Most Read in Polywork: 2023 Edition ✨ Is a career sabbatical possible? And if so, what would that even look like for most of us? We asked two experts to help us understand and design a truly transformative sabbatical: https://bit.ly/3SmdCr6

7 Years=7 weeks Taking a sabbatical gives you time to consider where you are in your life, your work, and what you want to do next. A few years ago, our family was able to stay in London for five weeks. The opportunity allowed me to consider what I wanted my life to be like and if I wanted to change my job or even my career. To do that, I needed two things: Time: Summertime was ideal for me since so many clients were out on their own vacations. This slowed down the high-pressure demands placed on me and the team and allowed room for a slower pace at work. Team: Having the support of an experienced team in key positions is critical to the success of the business. My business manager, content creator, and other key roles can confidently handle the day-to-day task of running the business so everything runs smoothly. My sabbatical was one and a half years ago, and I am already looking forward to 2029. What would a sabbatical look like for you? #sabbatical #whatinspiresme #teamappreciation

Since few days, I am reflecting on all of my learnings i did in my last 2-3 years. It involves my Post graduation and a new Job. Currently, I am looking for new opportunities also I have always focused on building up my core skills & competencies. Realized how Sabbaticals are important in every aspect of my career and here are my views on it; In the fast-paced world of modern careers, the concept of taking a break from work may seem counterintuitive. However, the value of a sabbatical in one's professional journey is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for personal development and career growth. Here are several compelling reasons why taking a sabbatical can be crucial for your career. 1. Renewal and Rejuvenation: A sabbatical provides a much-needed break to recharge both mentally and physically. Continuous work can lead to burnout, diminishing productivity and creativity. 2. Skill Development and Learning: A sabbatical is an excellent opportunity to acquire new skills or deepen existing ones. 3. Reflecting on Career Goals: A sabbatical offers the luxury of time for self-reflection. Individuals can assess their current career trajectory, identify areas for improvement, and clarify their long-term goals. 4. Enhancing Work-Life Balance: The incessant demands of work can often tip the balance away from personal life. A sabbatical provides an opportunity to recalibrate and prioritize personal well-being. 5. Building a Stronger Professional Network: A sabbatical allows for networking opportunities beyond the usual professional circles. 6. Boosting Creativity and Innovation: Stepping away from the routine can break the monotony and stimulate creativity. Exposure to diverse experiences, coupled with a refreshed mindset, can lead to innovative thinking and the ability to approach challenges from new perspectives. In conclusion, taking a sabbatical is not a detour from one's career path; rather, it is a strategic investment in personal and professional growth.

💫 Exciting news 💫 Recently had the chance to sit down with the folks at The Sabbatical Project to share more of my own sabbatical story. I've been following them for a long time and they are a great resource for folks seeking info on work breaks. In the interview I share... ⭐ The tough decision I made to leave my job without anything else lined up ⭐ What the early days of my sabbatical were like as I adjusted to a new normal ⭐ All the fun activities I got to accomplish during 8 months without work. Some key takeaways from the piece: ➡ I realized that I (and most people) bind up too much of our identity and self-esteem in unrealistic corporate working norms ➡ Time off is a great way to test the waters, learn a new skill, or make a plan for a major career pivot. ➡ Sabbaticals teach us to be quiet and listen, to soak in, learn, and be creative. They can help safely bring about shifts during a transition. What stands out for you when you read the article? 🔗link in comments ___________________ 👋 I am Cady, I work with women to support their money journeys as the founder of North Financial Advisors. I write about money, mindset, and work breaks. 📘 My forthcoming book "The Art of the Sabbatical" is coming out next spring 🔔 Ring the bell for updates #workbreak #careerbreak #careerdevelopment #careerplanning #financialplanning #sabbatical #modernauthor