It began in Italy a week ago. What’s to come: more travel; volunteer work, both locally and abroad; church mission work; and, possibly, starting up a business.
At 41, Angela Petitt left her job as a business systems analyst with Waste Management’s corporate office in Houston, TX, to embark on a sabbatical. “I felt it was time to step out, take control, and do something different for a change,” she says. She had been with the company almost four years.
I remind her that we’re living in hard times, with the end (if you believe it) of the recession just a few days old. “Many of my colleagues and friends think I am crazy for resigning right now. I still have bills and a mortgage, and I help support my college-aged nephew,” Angela says. “But I don’t want to look back on my life and have regrets in the future. I like the saying ‘If not now, when?’ Thoughts of taking a sabbatical kept coming up in my mind so much that I had to take the leap to see what all is out there.”
She began saving a year ago for her sabbatical. “This was huge for me. I’ve very conservative and frugal.”
After six months, she intends to return to work, either to a new business or to another company. “I believe that the sabbatical will give me a different perspective on things and that new perspective will make me a better person,” Angela says.
To follow Angela on her sabbatical, visit her blog on our site. We hope her time off creates new thinking and unexpected opportunities!
6 Responses (add yours)
OMG! You go girl. I fear for you. I’ll pray for you. I envy you. I wish I had the financial security and the courage to take such a bold step. I didn’t know you resigned. Have you worked your last day? What sort of business might you start? Good luck! Keep in touch.
Malcolm
What a great idea! I admire your setting a goal and executing the plans to make it happen!
I love Italy — and have spent a good bit of time there if you need some input.
Enjoy!
Inspiring! Angela, have a great experience and remember to keep in touch. I know that you have always had a great head on your shoulders and have not forgotten to remember the little things in life that really are what makes it all worthwhile. I hope that we work together again someday. As for your sabbatical, I am sure that your business eye will find something life and world changing to be your next adventure.
Bless you and Safe travels!
Congratulations and Best Wishes on your Adventure, Angela. You will do wonderful, interesting, and charitable things.
Be Safe and Be Happy,
Ric Doherty
You did it because you believe in yourself so nothing 2 worry about. You will look back one day with a smile and say that was the day…. Best wishes to you my friend!!!
Continuing the Discussion
[...] Elizabeth Pagano (Aug. 27, 2009 yoursabbatical.com) http://blog.yoursabbatical.com/2009/08/27/itll-be-no-small-sabbatical-for-angela-petitt/ [...]