Our report on the importance of taking a “break”, at one point or another in our lives, caused a lot of reaction last week. Here are some varied comments, selected and edited for brevity.
Reconnect with yourself
I am a teacher in my 40s. Like many teachers, since the pandemic, I was physically and mentally exhausted. I came close to taking sick leave and changing careers. I therefore chose to reduce my salary percentage, but to offer myself six months of leave. It was the best decision of my life! Getting off work, putting the stress and mental load almost at zero, it did me a lot of good! I went to walk Compostela in Spain, I left for almost two months, alone, without a husband or child. I reconnected with a K. that I hadn’t seen much in recent years, a relaxed K., in a good mood, who appreciates all the little things around her, a K. ready to open up and meet the people put on his path. The Camino de Santiago is also a great life lesson, it’s not easy every day (I had my share of rain and mud last spring, blisters, pain), but I discovered how strong I could be, physically and mentally… Clearing my head did me a lot of good. Back at work for a month, the first days were not easy, but I still feel the beneficial effects of my leave. I have recharged my batteries, I feel more patient, relaxed. I try to find ways to not feel overwhelmed by my work. It was my most relaxed return to school in my 20-year career. I am reconnecting with the pleasure of teaching, a pleasure that I had almost completely lost.
KB
A call of life
Your article spoke to me, because I am a champion of these years off! I am forty-eight and a half years old and I took my first year after CEGEP. Then, another after my first two years of baccalaureate which included four. Then three years after the birth of my daughter, extending my maternity leave with a second child! Then, after returning to work for four years, a year off. Then another two years later. Since then, I have canceled a third year, because instead of taking time off, I preferred to change fields of employment. It is true that the return was always a moment to manage! A balance to find. For the moment, I see a nice balance in my personal and professional life… but nothing excludes another break from work if “life calls”.
Geneviève Boivin
“Refreshment” break
I turned 70 this year and I just happened to be taking a “rejuvenation” break until 2025. I had a profession that I retired from and a creative business that I put on pause. I am registered for courses at the University of 3e age, be part of a choir and participate in lots of cultural activities. I moved from Quebec to Sutton two years ago and I never stopped, eager to settle down and discover the region. Now, on break, I no longer have a “daily mission”. I’m free and I’m enjoying it.
Mary Morneau
Back after the break
Thank you for these comforting texts. I am at precisely this stage of my life. I can’t afford to travel, but I still enjoy it. I would also like to read expert opinions on returning to work when you are not returning to your “previous” job and you are 50 years old. The return when we want real change, a reduction in stress, hours and, yes, with a reduction in income. How to do it? Because jobs where you will not be labeled “too old”, “too qualified” are not common.
Christine Brouillet
New beginning
My family and I will be going on an adventure next September for a year. This will be our second experience of this kind. It’s scary at first to go into the unknown, but it’s also such a great time to travel the world with children! It was while reading your article that I said to myself that once again, this will be a very good decision and an incredible journey. Thank you so much.
Juneau family
Flats
Very interesting, your article on the sabbatical, the how, the why. That being said, aside from the existential side of things, it occurred to me that there are some practical reflections that I would bet are popular. They finally appeared towards the end of your article; a negative impact on a career, slowing down professional progression; professions that do not tolerate unplugging, as not everyone can afford it (financially or personally). Another real-life example… Years in an organization constantly rationalizing. It was better to be at work to gauge progress and make sure you were in a service that would not be cut. Otherwise, “out of sight, out of mind”. All these examples which make many people say: I would love to take a sabbatical… but I can’t!
Pierre Levert