Author : Cathy Goodwin
Many people envy academics who take sabbaticals. What they don't realize is that
sabbaticals are not designed as time on the beach. You are supposed to use your
free time to accomplish specific projects. Often you are not allowed to embark on a
sabbatical if your plans seem vague or unproductive.(1) Have a plan that includes fun.How do you want to play? Did you always want to spend a year at the movies, take a
ceramics class, write nonstop all morning, or begin each day with a blank slate?If this idea is totally new, even scary, you may want to practice on weekends. You
may need to identify what you really want to do before you start. A coach can help.(2) Get creative.I recommend two types of goals: a creativity goal and a physical activity goal.A creativity goal involves developing a new side of yourself, using some
combination of art, music, drama, and writing. You may become an artist or take
"appreciation" classes. If you travel, you can keep a journal, visit art museums or
attend concerts.No ideas? Check out The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron, available at any bookstore. I
am willing to bet that you will have no trouble identifying playful activities as you
work through the program.Physical activity can be as simple as walking or as rigorous as training for a
marathon. Learn a new sport. Dance. Work with a trainer in the weight room. People
tell me over and over, "I felt stronger as a person when my body became stronger."Some goals are unique combinations of the physical and the creative. "Build a cabin
on my property," "Sail my boat to the island and back," "Walk the length of the state
of California and keep a journal."(3) Set a time limit for your Time Out.Over three months, you can sign up for a class in pottery or piano. You can
complete The Artist's Way program.Six months? You can draft a short book or outline a longer one.Six weeks? You can travel or go to workshops or see all the movies you didn't have
time for.A time limit can free you. Someone I know (call her Janet) finished her MBA and
began drifting. She worked part-time in a restaurant in a charming resort town. She
felt no rush to get a corporate job to begin her career. After several months, the
restaurant closed and Janet's parents reminded her, "We supported you through
school so you could get a real job!"Janet eventually built her own successful business, but she says a time limit would
have given her a sense of direction.
Don't drift. You can always start a new Time Out if you're ready.About The AuthorCathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant,
helping midlife professionals transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs.
Learn more."Why Most Career Change Fails (And How to Write Your Own Success Story)"
Sign up here.Email here.
Keyword : careers,job search,career search,achievements,career counseling,success,motivation,self improvement
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