Sabbatical Lessons: Why Stepping Back Moved Me Forward

Have you ever fantasized about stepping away from your business—really stepping away—but quickly dismissed the thought as impossible?

If so, you're not alone. Before I took a sabbatical, I had all the same questions:
Who even takes a sabbatical? What do you do with the time? How do you fund it? Will my business collapse?
The truth is, stepping away was the best thing I’ve ever done. And I’m here to tell you why—and how it can work for you too.

Why I Took a Sabbatical: More Than Just Burnout

I wasn’t just tired. I was soul-tired.

After two cross-country moves, becoming an empty nester, and managing significant changes in my business, I hit a wall. I was feeling crabby, resentful, and irritable with clients I truly cared about, and even my podcast felt like an obligation rather than a passion.

I realized that continuing on in that state risked doing lasting damage to my health, my brand, and the mission that once lit me up. Something had to give.

So, I made the bold move to take a sabbatical—a strategic pause—not to rest from work, but to rediscover how I wanted to live and work going forward.

What Planning a Sabbatical Really Involves

If you’re considering a sabbatical, planning is everything—and it’s more than just financial logistics. There’s also mindset resistance to overcome:

• What will people think?

• What if I become lazy?

• Will I lose all business momentum?

To manage that inner turmoil, I created a clear plan:

• I used funds from downsizing my home to finance a 4-month break.

• I delegated content repurposing to maintain my SEO (note: not all vendors worked out!).

• I notified clients and audiences with intention and transparency.

• I set my return date “in pencil”—allowing room for intuition and healing to guide me back.

This planning gave me peace of mind—and helped me override the guilt and fear.

What I Actually Did on Sabbatical (Spoiler: It Wasn’t a Vacation)

In the beginning, I didn’t know what I was doing. I tried visiting family and even attempted to create a new course—only to find myself crankier than before.

So I tried something radical: a week-long “Device-Free, Vice-Free, Advice-Free” silent retreat in my own home. No phones, no alcohol, no TV, and no one else’s input.

That experience changed everything.

I started taking long walks in nature—just to walk, not to track steps. Those walks became the cornerstone of my healing, clarity, and creativity.

Sabbatical taught me how to live with more space, intention, and peace.

The ROI of Sabbatical: Clarity, Energy & Purpose

The return on investment was immeasurable—but here are the biggest takeaways:

1. A Sustainable Way to Manage My Energy

I created my own “Rule of Life,” including:

• Daily walks in nature

• Weekly digital-free reset days (Sabbaths)

• Monthly tech-free days to restore balance

These practices are free, grounded in ancient wisdom, and sustainable. I didn’t need another retreat or program—I needed to live in alignment with who I truly am.

2. Absolute Clarity in My Purpose

I remembered that before I was a brand strategist, I was a deeply passionate organization development consultant. That grounding helped me see that my work isn’t about marketing—it’s about positioning purpose-driven experts for true impact.

This clarity reinvigorated my vision: to help transformational consultants win the business (and influence) they deserve—because consulting matters.

3. Healing My Idealism (Without Losing It)

My idealism is my superpower—and my kryptonite. It led me to believe the best in toxic clients and painful situations. During sabbatical, I learned that I don’t have to give up my idealism. I just needed to pair it with clear-eyed discernment.

How I Returned from Sabbatical—With Grace, Not Pressure

I didn’t come back when everything was perfect. My website, my rebrand, and even my content plan are still in progress.

But I realized: perfection isn’t the goal—purpose is.

So I walked back into my business slowly, with intention. Just like the house in my neighborhood adding an extension—I’m showing up while still under construction.

What I Learned About Sabbaticals—and Why You Might Need One Too

Let me bottom-line this for you:

• Sabbaticals are not long vacations. They’re strategic pauses to recalibrate your life, work, and inner alignment.

• They’re especially powerful for high achievers—because it’s not the revenue risk that’s scary, it’s facing yourself without the shield of performance.

• The ROI isn’t just emotional—it’s practical. Avoid burnout. Avoid building the wrong business. Avoid wasting years in misalignment.

Sabbaticals create space to remember who you are and how you truly want to live and lead.

Want to Try a Mini-Sabbatical?

Here’s where you can start:

• Take a 30-minute walk in nature—daily, if possible.

• Try a full digital-free day.

• Declare a personal reset day each week, where nothing is “productive.”

And if you’re ready to go all in? I can help you design and experience the pause that could change everything. Email me to explore if it’s right for you.

Ready to Reposition Your Business with Purpose?

I’m now accepting clients ready to position their consulting or coaching businesses for greater impact, income, and alignment. Head to www.betsyjordyn.com/services to request a discovery session.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the Consulting Matters podcast for bi-weekly insights on the art and business of transformation. You can listen to my podcast episode about these lessons here.

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