In August 2022, the author quit their dream job in order to heal from burnout and seek happiness beyond work. They spent a year and a half and $34,000 exploring South America and Asia, initially focusing on checking off bucket list destinations. However, they soon realized they were feeling burned out and hollow despite living their dream. It became apparent that they had changed their circumstances but not their state of mind, leading to a realization that they were approaching their sabbatical in the same workaholic manner they had approached their career.
The author recognized the need for a change and took three key steps to transform their sabbatical and life. They cut back and shifted focus, choosing quality over quantity and letting go of the desire to impress others with the number of places visited. They also learned to ignore FOMO and prioritize joy over obligation, opting to skip over hyped activities and instead focus on activities that brought genuine enjoyment. Furthermore, they gave up trying to work and make money while traveling, relinquishing freelance work and focusing on personal development and learning.
After returning home, the author struggled with anxiety and workaholism, feeling the lessons learned during their sabbatical slipping away. In an effort to reconnect with the person they had become during their travels, they began meditating, journaling, and taking daily walks. Prioritizing self-care practices that had previously been neglected allowed them to maintain and build on the emotional work done during their trip. This shift in mindset has helped them avoid burnout and feelings of unworthiness, allowing them to embrace the process of figuring out what comes next.
By abandoning their workaholic tendencies and focusing on personal well-being over external validation, the author learned valuable lessons about balancing ambition and self-care. Through cutting back and shifting focus, learning to ‘miss out’ on certain activities, and giving up the need to work while traveling, they were able to find fulfillment and joy in their experiences. Embracing daily practices such as meditation and journaling has helped them maintain a fulfilling identity and life, even when not working a dream job or traveling the world.
