For years, I daydreamed about taking a sabbatical.

When I was working in the corporate world, I convinced myself that a chunk of time off would fix everything. I’d come back refreshed, re-energised, ready to throw myself back in.

I never actually asked for one. I kept moving instead – new roles, new challenges. Eventually, I came to realise it wasn’t a sabbatical I wanted after all, but a career change.

I’m now nearly a decade into running my own coaching business – and I love it.

But I wish I’d got there sooner, and spent less time hankering for a break that in reality wouldn’t have fixed anything.

I recently answered a question in The i Paper from a reader desperate for a sabbatical. I shared how to make the case to your manager, and how to know if it’s what you really need.

Interested to read more?

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If you’re looking for more support with your career, you can find out more about how I work with people here.