A Yearlong Sabbatical
January 21, 2020
Having finished my Boston assignment on 31st December, Jackie and I have just started a yearlong sabbatical. I have been working for 25 years straight and have come to the decision that now is a good time to think about what I want to do next and going forward.
2 years ago I started asking myself when I could retire from work in order to free up time to travel and follow my passion for photography. But making that decision is not straightforward and it got me thinking about why it’s such a hard decision to make. I came to the conclusion that for the first time I am breaking a pre-determined course:
Study for O’levels and then A’levels to go to university. Get a 2:1 degree and then secure a trainee accountant job and the CIMA qualification. Work hard to make Director/VP. Save towards a pension to retire 55 -60 and then spend your savings.
Actually, it’s a big decision, and a scary one. After all, I have been on this path for 35 years. On discussing my potential plans I have been met with some concern; you’ll be bored in 4 weeks; these are the money years; you’ve been working towards this all your life; what will you do with your time?
We had many long conversations over a glass of wine or two. What if waiting till 60 is just a little too late? Will that camera of mine be just too heavy? Will we still be able to hike up our mountains? I don’t know. How can you evaluate 35 years versus the unknown? The answer…you can’t.
What pushed us to make the decision and to actually action it? As Jackie said, there ‘s one thing that kept coming up in our discussions:
I’m more afraid of running out of time than running out of money.
So maybe the question is: Can you take a year out, travel and do the things you normally don’t have time for, and maybe you will just stumble on to something new. If a year passes and we’re in the same spot at the end (although with a year’s more experience and hopefully having had a year of doing only what we love), so be it. We’re not going to think about it too much while we do the things we really love, namely being outside, travelling, wildlife, and photography.
That’s where we are at right now, it might change. As the Italians say piano piano, con calma. Rough translation – little by little, no rush, take it easy. Let’s give that a go.
Great first step towards a fulfilling year and actually doing what you love. Best wishes guys 😊 …. You will do amazingly well !!!!!
Wise and brave… and the Italians also say “chi va’ piano, va’ sano e lontano” and I’ve no doubts you will.
Well done