Take A Year Off & See The World

Every day, you follow the same routine. You get up. A quick shower followed by a warm brew and a bowl of cereal, and you’re ready to leave the house. The commute to work is the worst part of the day, whether you’re driving or using public transport. Thousands of other people like you are heading to the office. They are packed in the train like unwilling sardines, victims of the rush hours. Every day brings the same stress and crowd. Until one day, you wake up feeling a little more tired than usual. The motivation has gone from your body. You wonder if taking a day off will bring it back. But the truth is, a cheeky sick day doesn’t revive your motivation. What you need is a break from the routine that is eating away your life power. 

Don’t be tempted to book a holiday. When you hit that low point in your motivation, it’s time to broaden your horizons. Not only the same old routine might be dull, but it’s also an indication that your job isn’t quite right for you. Indeed, when each day follows the other, with no sense of excitement at the workplace, you become a victim of the routine. If you’re a naturally creative person who feels inspired by external elements and people, you’re at risk of losing your creative force. When everyday life doesn’t satisfy you anymore, it’s time to take back control and change your routine. Take the year off and explore what the world has to offer. 

Everybody should take a sabbatical

It’s not uncommon for professors to take a break from academic work when they need to focus on the creation of further educational materials. The academic leave, as it stands, is typically a mixture of research, inspiring visits, and self-improvement. Colleagues welcome the prospect, as taking a year off has become common practice in the world of academia. However, it’s not the kind of opportunity that other business sectors offer. If you decide to take a sabbatical year, you’re unlikely to get your job back when you return. However, just because your company doesn’t provide cover for this eventuality doesn’t mean that you are stuck in the same role. Taking a sabbatical helps you to recharge your batteries, consider new options and opportunities, and adapt to a different environment. In other words, it’s a helpful and practical approach for professionals. But the world is your oyster: Quitting your job to explore can be a life-changing experience. 

How will you travel? 

The idea of travelling around the world is tempting, but how does it work in practice? Backpacking is a preferred option for students and budget-travellers who want to maximise their experience without breaking the bank. However, you can look for smart alternatives that will save you money in the long term. Indeed, for instance, have you considered camping vans and hybrid campers as a transport solution? While the purchase price is significantly higher than a simple rucksack, you are ultimately saving a tonne of money on accommodation and even restaurant costs. Your camper acts as your accommodation and kitchen on wheels. More importantly, it can also become an inspiring remote office if you choose to work on the go to finance your travel plans. 

How about administrative needs? 

When you’re abroad, you need to make sure that you’re up-to-date with all the necessary permits and documents. For instance, you need to research your visa requirements for each country you intend to visit. Additionally, not all permits grant you the same duration of stay. Indeed, a visa for India allows you to stay for up to 60 days, while a visa for the US grants you 90 days. Knowing and understanding the difference can help you to manage your journey safely. You also need to stay organised to keep your own documentation in check, such as applying for a passport renewal, for example. As a traveller, you need to identify your embassy and research each option. Some embassies have a quick turnaround and let you book appointments rapidly, while others can’t offer a free slot for months. 

Uncover the real you while making friends

Your sabbatical allows you not only to see new regions but also to meet new people. Making friends in a new country might not have been your priority, but it gives your year off a meaningful aspect. Indeed, you’re staying long enough in a foreign country to build a small network of friends who can make you feel more integrated. While it’s a little bit tricky at first, making friends abroad is a refreshing experience that teaches you a lot of yourself. 

Make money as you go

As mentioned earlier, you can work as you travel to finance your sabbatical. Digital nomads enjoy a busy lifestyle while being able to make money on the side. How does it work? First of all, your current employer might be open to the opportunity of remote work. But even if they aren’t, you can apply to a position that offers a more flexible approach. Freelancing is also a fantastic alternative, with platforms such as UpWork and Freelancer that let you promote your portfolio and find jobs. 

Why wait until later when you can do it now?

A lot of people wish they could see the world. But it’s never the right time. They always find a reason to postpone their plans or, even worse, to never start planning. When it comes to your sabbatical holiday, there’s no need to postpone it indefinitely. Ultimately, you don’t know what tomorrow is made of. Taking your chance now is the best thing you can do for yourself. All you have to do is to set your budget for the first few months and your first location. Once you’re there, you can schedule the next location and find some digital work. 

The routine can be demoralising and depressing. But you don’t need to let it get to you. Instead, if you hit a point in your professional life where you feel there’s nowhere else to go, a sabbatical can get your creativity and sense of priority back on track. Exploring not only what the world has to offer, but also finding inspiration at the contact of new cultures and people is a genuine life-changing experience.