Scott H. was high enough up at Wrigley to get a six-months’ sabbatical, even though the company has no formal sabbatical program. “I created the sabbatical for my own development,” he said. At 44, he’d worked at breakneck pace for the past 20 years and was now head of the company’s global research group, with direct reports in 12 different countries. Work was all-consuming. “Particularly when you’re in a global role, you’re almost on 24/7,” he said. “And while I’m very appreciative to have this great role, I was feeling the early signs of burnout.” So he approached management and requested a sabbatical. “I told them I wouldn’t perform at my best without stepping away. I needed to recharge my batteries.”
I spoke with Scott at the beginning of his break. He was doing all the things we tend to put off when we’re focused on work – doctor appointments, unpacking to the boxes that had been stacked in a corner since moving into a new home, exercising, etc. All the things that fall under the “If only I had more time” category.
But something else was beginning to happen. He’d had about a month out of his “normal existence” and creativity and curiosity were budding – or returning. He’d becoming much more interested in learning new things – about the world around him and about himself. And that desire for discovery became a priority for his sabbatical. “I don’t want to end the six months and say, ‘Well, it was nice to have some time off.’ I want to learn something about myself.”
Scott is very keyed in to the what a sabbatical can do for a person. He understands that self-discovery can propel one – in life and in work.
What does he plan to do with the rest of his time off? Contribute more through his board positions with volunteer organizations. Take classes – maybe piano lessons. Spend time with his family. And yes, traveling the world. “I want to see the world in a different way than I have in the past – not through conference rooms and hotels.”
When I asked Scott how his friends were reacting to his sabbatical, he said the primary reaction is one of jealousy. They say, “Oh my god, I wish I could do that.” “Even my team at work, once they got over the sadness of my leaving for a while, said ‘You’re my hero.’ There’s something profound in that reaction. People are hungry for this.”
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