I’m Planning a Sabbatical – Am I Doing It Right? Sabbatical Activities Explained

When you ask colleagues what they did on sabbatical, you’ll quickly notice no two answers are alike. One person might have traveled across the world; another stayed home and wrote a book; another spent time learning a new skill. Sabbaticals are designed to give us the time and space to step away from regular work, but many people wonder: Am I doing this right? What sabbatical activities are best for me?

The short answer: there’s no single formula (and for academics, it depends on your institution’s faculty sabbatical policies). The beauty of a sabbatical is that you get to design it around your priorities, goals, and personal context – whether you’re in academia, a creative field, the corporate world, or taking an extended personal break.

Ways to Use Your Sabbatical

Focused Projects or Work

Some people use their sabbatical to create, build, or produce something meaningful. Academics might finish research, draft articles, or collect data. Professionals might launch a work-related project, develop a portfolio, or experiment with an innovation initiative. Even if your sabbatical is in a creative or personal context, it could involve writing, art, or another project that gives you focus and purpose.

Learning and Development

A sabbatical is a chance to learn something new, whether professionally or personally. This could mean formal training, informal self-study, exploring a new field, or spending time with mentors or peers. It’s about deepening your knowledge, expanding your skills, and growing in ways that regular work or life doesn’t often allow.

Connection and Collaboration

Time away from daily obligations can free you to collaborate or connect in ways you normally couldn’t. Maybe you’re working with a colleague on a joint project, connecting with mentors, or participating in a retreat. Travel may be part of this, but the core is meaningful human connection and shared purpose.

Reflection and Renewal

And sometimes, the most valid thing you can do on sabbatical is nothing at all. Resting, reflecting, journaling, walking, meditating, or simply being present in your life is just as transformative as any project or course. This category validates career breaks, corporate sabbaticals where you’re allowed to unplug, and anyone who needs time to just breathe.

Other Key Considerations for Sabbatical Activities

While planning the overarching aims of your sabbatical are important, there are a few additional considerations that can make your leave more productive and meaningful, including travel, personal renewal, and understanding what doesn’t count toward your sabbatical. Paying attention to these elements can help you make the most of your time away.

Ground Yourself at the Start

Regardless of how you spend your time, it helps to begin with reflection: Who am I right now, and what do I most need from this break? This clarity helps you shape a sabbatical that’s meaningful for you, not just what others expect. This is especially important if you’re navigating burnout, which can commonly creep up mid-career.

Travel (Optional, Not Required)

Some sabbaticals involve travel – for academics, it might be fieldwork or archives; for others, it might be a change of scenery to spark creativity or reflection. But it’s important to remember that when it comes to sabbatical activities, travel is a tool, not a requirement.

What Usually Doesn’t Count as Sabbatical Activities

A sabbatical isn’t just a vacation, though downtime is important. It’s also not about swapping one set of obligations for another. Heavy work can be counterproductive to sabbatical goals, unless it’s intentionally aligned with your goals for redirection or new pursuits.

Final Thoughts: Am I Thinking About Sabbatical Activities Correctly?

When it comes to envisioning your sabbatical activities, know that there’s no single formula. The best sabbaticals are the ones you design intentionally, in alignment with your goals and priorities. Whether your focus is producing, learning, connecting, or simply resting, the activities that matter most are the ones that help you return with renewed energy, perspective, and clarity.

If you want guidance on planning your sabbatical, designing your activities, or making the most of your time away, my Sabbatical Studio services can help you create a plan that fits your unique goals and circumstances.