So, you’ve been with your current company for three years. Your eyes are wandering and your feet are starting to itch. You no longer feel ‘challenged’ and yearn for a new environment, a bigger team, greater career progression, or perhaps all of the these.
Don’t feel bad about it. This is incredibly common, especially in the ever fickle agency world. But what if you could rejuvenate your career and quench your thirst for change without jumping ship?
One word: Sabbatical
A sabbatical - I hear you say. Isn’t that just a posh word for dossing about on a beach whilst drinking beer in excessive quantities?
Well yes, but it’s also a lot more than that…
The sabbatical is an ancient proposition that has been around since the beginning of time (unless you’re an atheist!). The ultimate example of this is Genesis 2:2-3. In this passage of the Bible, God put his feet up and took some well-deserved time off after creating the universe. Now, you may not be God and you may not have created the universe but that doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to a career break. Sabbaticals often represent a personal goal for an employee: a chance to travel the world, write a science fiction novel or perhaps join a nudist colony in the South of France – the possibilities are endless.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, this is all well and good for me but what’s in it for my boss? Well, employees who are granted sabbaticals typically return to work rejuvenated and with energy levels replenished. They are ready to re-join their team with sharper mental clarity and increased focus. Sabbaticals are also a great way to demonstrate a business’ investment in people and they show a real commitment to ensuring employees benefit from a strong work life balance – a priceless piece of PR. To top all this off they will save on the cost of replacing you (although you are of course, irreplaceable).
So, to bring things full circle, is leaving your current employer really the only journey on the quest for greater job satisfaction? Or do you just need time to remember that the career opportunity you’re searching for is staring you in the face?
Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree - you may have really reached the end of the road in your current role - in which case you should give DNA a call.
But if you think there’s a possibility you haven’t, why not float the idea of the sabbatical? And if you’re feeling really brave, ask for a paid one.
PS. DNA 'does' sabbaticals - and on 25th March I’m off to Indonesia for mine.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)