Cady North’s Guide to Taking a Sabbatical That Pays Off

If you're like me—a purpose-driven consultant or business owner—chances are you've poured years into building your reputation, business, and body of work. But what happens when your drive starts to feel like a drain? When clarity fades, joy wanes, and no amount of productivity gets you back to feeling aligned?

For me, the answer wasn’t pushing through. It was pulling back.

After 15 years in business, I made the bold decision to take a sabbatical. What started as a four-month pause turned into seven months of deep clarity, rest, and unexpected reinvention.

I recently sat down with Cady North, wealth manager and author of The Art of the Sabbatical, to unpack why this time away was so transformational—and why more high-achieving professionals should consider doing the same.

What Is a Sabbatical—Really?

Sabbaticals have traditionally been reserved for academics and ministry leaders. But Cady and I are making the case for a modern sabbatical: an intentional, spacious break from work to reconnect with who you are outside of what you do.

As Cady puts it, “The goal is to discover who you are when you’re not working.” I’d add: it’s also about discovering who you want to be within your work when you return.

In my case, it wasn’t just about stepping away from business tasks—it was about stepping into sacred rest, reflection, and rediscovery.

Who Should Consider a Sabbatical?

If you’re:

• Burned out and feeling the early (or late) signs of exhaustion

• At a professional or personal crossroads

• Craving creative space or time to pursue something new

• Wondering if your current work still fits who you’ve become

• Longing for more joy, peace, or margin in your life

…a sabbatical might be your next best step.

For me, it wasn’t just that I was tired—it was that I couldn’t keep going without redefining how I worked and why I worked in the first place.

The Unexpected ROI of Taking Time Off

Most of us are conditioned to measure success in terms of revenue and reach. So I’ll be honest—taking a sabbatical was a big financial risk. I wasn’t just living off savings. I paused revenue-generating activities. I walked away from momentum.

But what I gained? Clarity. Peace. Joy. Boundaries. Better business ideas. A stronger voice. A slower, more embodied pace.

And that’s the kind of ROI that pays off again and again.

Cady confirmed this is a common pattern with her clients. “People often assume they’ll earn less after a sabbatical—but most end up more aligned, energized, and ultimately, more profitable.”

What Do You Actually Do on Sabbatical?

Let me tell you what I didn’t do: hustle, build courses, or fill the calendar.

Instead, I embraced unstructured time—sometimes walking, sometimes sitting in silence. I took a weeklong silent retreat. I ditched devices. I stood more, moved more, and let myself reflect.

Cady calls this avoiding the trap of “busying your way through a break.” It’s true. If you try to checklist your way through sabbatical, you’ll miss the point.

The real work is inner work—creating white space for new clarity to surface.

How to Financially Prepare for a Sabbatical (Without a Trust Fund)

If you’re thinking, “I can’t afford to take time off,” you’re not alone. Even some of my wealthiest friends said the same. But Cady has practical, accessible frameworks that make sabbaticals financially possible.

Sabbatical Savings Tip from Cady North:
Saving just 5% of your income can fund a 3-month sabbatical in five years. At 10%, you could take off six months. It’s not about the amount—it’s about the intention behind your money.

You can also reduce tax liability during lower-income years and make smart retirement contributions during your break—something Cady covers in her book and client coaching.

Returning From Sabbatical: The Slow Walk Back

This was the hardest part for me. Coming back took longer than I expected—and I felt different. I was slower, more intentional, and deeply uninterested in chasing algorithms or vanity metrics.

A 30-second podcast trailer took me a full day. Not because I was stuck, but because I was more connected to my message—and didn’t want to rush the process.

Cady told me this is totally normal. “The re-entry period can take months. And that’s okay. You’re re-emerging with stronger clarity and firmer boundaries.”

The Real Return on Investment: Energy, Clarity, and Purpose

The most common question I get is: “Was it worth it?”

The answer is yes. A thousand times yes.

Taking a sabbatical helped me:

• Shift how I measure success

• Refine my offers to create more space for clients

• Create a business that matches my energy, not the other way around

• Show up more authentically—in my brand, in my work, and in my body

And I’m not alone. Cady’s clients report similar results: more aligned careers, higher-paid opportunities, and the deep satisfaction of knowing themselves again.

About Cady North: Your Sabbatical Coach & Fractional CFO

Cady North isn’t just a wealth manager—she’s a guide for high-achieving professionals who want to build a financially supported, soul-aligned life and business.

She offers:

• One-time sabbatical planning sessions

• Ongoing financial strategy for consultants and entrepreneurs

• Case-study-rich guidance in her book The Art of the Sabbatical

“Cady is the resource I wish I had before I started my sabbatical,” I told her. And it’s true—her mix of money wisdom and mindset clarity would’ve saved me a lot of second-guessing.

Check out CadyNorth.com to learn more.

Sabbatical as Sacred Strategy

Whether you’re fully ready to step away or simply feel the nudge that something needs to shift, I encourage you: don’t ignore the invitation to rest.

Sabbaticals are not a luxury—they’re a leadership decision. They’re a strategy for long-term sustainability and deeper fulfillment.

And if you're in a transition or stuck in the in-between? Treat it like a sabbatical. Slow down. Reflect. Redesign. Reconnect.

Ready to Rebuild Your Brand After a Sabbatical?

My Strategic Brand Partnership services are designed to meet you in this new space—with clarity, confidence, and a voice that reflects who you’ve become.

Explore services at BetsyJordyn.com/services or book a discovery call.

And don’t forget to listen to the full episode of Consulting Matters featuring Cady North for more wisdom on designing a sabbatical that truly transforms.

About Betsy Jordyn: 

Betsy Jordyn is a brand messaging strategist and business mentor for purpose-driven consultants and coaches. With a background in organizational development—including a consulting career with Disney—she helps experts clarify their unique value, position themselves strategically, and build businesses that deliver impact, income, and personal fulfillment. Connect with Betsy Jordyn to clarify your message, elevate your brand, and attract the clients you're meant to serve. Start here → https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services