In her essay for the New York Times on Sunday, April, 4, 2010, Coming to Terms with My Sabbatical, Michele Mendelssohn mourns her sabbatical dream. Eight months into a career break that she won, she says, “my original plan now looks like a delusional fantasy. Though I have done many things on my list, I have not done most of them.”
Aaargghh!!! What a shame. Mendelssohn’s win – a sabbatical research fellowship from the University of Utah - gave her the feeling of being blessed with a “golden ticket” after years of diligent, persistent work and achievements. Research for her second academic book (the cover for her first book is pictured here) was a primary goal for her career break.
But then, her high-achieving tendencies took over and now her story seems like a segment of a sabbatical reality show of “things gone wrong.”
In work, in life, and in sabbaticals, there’s a universal truth: Trying to do too much is not productive. I’d repeat that for emphasis, but here’s something even better: Trying to do too much on sabbatical can lead to a failed sabbatical.
For those considering a sabbatical or planning one now, Mendelssonhn imparts her “greatest” piece of wisdom – sabbatical success depends on managing expectations. That clearly means realistic expectations.
Indeed, a little guidance could have made all the difference for Mendelssohn, who blames only herself for accomplishing so few of the things on her sabbatical wish list. (Read the entire 8th paragraph of the Times article for the description of her goals.)
Think it can’t happen to you? Here are three tips to help manage expectations for your sabbatical:
- Be selfish with this opportunity. Your family, spouse, partner in life, and your mother will have all sorts of ideas for what you can and should do. Make the majority of the time count for what you want as a goal.
- Having objectives is very important but keep those sabbatical goals to two or possibly three. (Mendelssohn had eight. A good coach would have insisted she prioritize and drop five of them.)
- Allow 6-8 months of sabbatical planning time. That may seem like a lot, but this is an important opportunity that only comes along every 5-7 years (if you are working for a great employer who offers it) or once in a lifetime. You’ll spend time reviewing professional and personal goals; then choose the best sabbatical experience for you at this time in your life and career.
Mendelsohn’s first sabbatical offers an insight in “what not to do” when it comes to being realistic about a break away from one’s job. Yet, you have to admire her transparency and her spirit. Despite the disappointment, especially where that second book is concerned, she still says, “I’ve had a great time.”
I predict that Michele Mendelssohn’s positive nature will serve her well when she’s ready for that second sabbatical. After she’s finished slashing and burning her sabbatical dream list, she’ll be left with all that really matters for a stunning second try.
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