Okay, let's get real – burnout is a beast. I know this firsthand as a financial advisor who started my own company. Pushing too hard for too long is a recipe for a mental and physical crash. That's why I've started taking "Sabbatical Weeks" – and they've changed my life.
Think of a Sabbatical Week as a power-up for your work and soul. It's a full week away to shut down that work brain, refresh yourself, and come back stronger than ever. Here's why it's a game-changer, how it fights burnout, and how to actually make it happen.
Sabbatical Weeks: The Perks
Bye-bye, brain fog. Endless work = stress city. Sabbaticals let you de-stress, recharge, and come back way sharper.
Hello, creativity BOOST. Stepping back sparks new ideas and solutions you wouldn't find hunched over your desk.
Level up, career-wise. This is time to learn that skill, take that workshop, network... basically invest in YOU.
The Burnout Blocker
As a financial advisor, I see burnout chew people up and spit them out (myself included, back in the day). It screws up your focus, your health, and your whole life. Sabbatical Weeks help you sidestep that disaster:
Recharge like a boss. Disconnect, do stuff you love, and come back with your energy bar full.
Fresh eyes, fresh mindset. Distance helps you see problems differently and get unstuck way faster.
Self-care FTW. Regular breaks prove you won't let work crush your well-being. That's huge for preventing total flameout.
Studies back this up. Sabbaticals have been shown to straight-up decrease burnout, boost your work satisfaction, and make you a more creative, valuable employee (or boss!).
Your Sabbatical Week Playbook
Making this real takes some planning, so let's break it down:
The magic number: Seven. Aim for a Sabbatical Week every seven weeks. Mark it on your calendar way ahead of time.
Boss/client heads-up. Give 'em notice so everything runs smoothly while you're gone.
Prep like a pro. Finish up urgent stuff, delegate what you can, so you come back to a clean slate, not chaos.
The 3 R's. Your week should be about Reflecting (how's the last stretch been?), Rejuvenating (rest or fun, whatever fills your tank), and Refocusing (what goals do you attack on your return?).
My Sabbatical Story
Here's how I use my Sabbaticals. First few days – I review the last six weeks, what went well, where I could improve. Then it's rejuvenation time: maybe reading, maybe getting outdoors, whatever works. I close the week by planning my next six until the next break. Rinse and repeat!
Taking this time every seven weeks has been HUGE for me. It's my shield against the burnout that's such a risk in the finance world.
The Bottom Line
Sabbatical weeks aren't a luxury, they're a necessity if you're in a demanding career – and honestly, whose job ISN'T stressful these days? Regularly tapping out for reflection, rest, and refocusing is how to avoid burnout, boost your performance, and enjoy your life while rocking your career. So go ahead – schedule that first week. Your future self will thank you.
Let me know how it goes!
Rolf Issler
Founder, ProsperWise Advisors
Comments