17th October, 2011

DARREN CRONSHAW

Hope Dlugozima, James Scott and David Sharp

Six Months Off: How to plan, negotiate, and take the break you need without burning bridges or going broke

Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1996

ISBN-10: 0-8050-3745-4

"This book is a treasure trove of ideas from those who have taken extended time-off."

I turned to this book with a dream for an enriching adventure of long-service leave. It is good to have downtime each day, a day off each week, and holidays each year. But it is also helpful, I understand, to have sabbatical time every six to 10 years.

In my work context, pastoral ministry, the experienced pastors say sabbaticals are essential for long-lasting and freshly energised ministry. I want to take my family on a family-bonding and perspective-broadening experience. And I want to have break that is out-of-the-box of my usual activities. I know this is something others do, and many more dream about. But I am curious how this is possible and what others do.

This book is a treasure trove of ideas from those who have taken extended time-off. It responds to the excuses people use not to go (“I don’t have the money”, “I can’t find the time”, “My family and coworkers won’t go along” and simply “I can’t do that”). It offers counsel on negotiating for a sabbatical (including how it will benefit your personal and professional development and the organisation). It suggests ways a sabbatical can jump-start or refocus your career (and sometimes look better than treading water or job-searching elsewhere). And it offers a checklist of things to do before you go and how to return smoothly.

There is a menu of ideas that focus on creative, multicultural, service, spiritual and adventure options. Some people hike or bike. Others stay in free accommodation. Some do practical volunteering service along the way. And an appendix of resources offers ideas about travel, schools, internships, house-swapping, health and scholarships.

The narratives of people talking different trips show the life-changing potential of three to 12 plus months off. Editor Sean Plottner commented: “What I learned from Africa is that you don’t live to work, you work to live. That’s been a major philosophical turnaround for me. I can still have a career, and I can still have success. But they are just means to an end. The end is living, climbing mountains, travelling.” Others found enormous enrichment for their children’s education, or from learning a language or musical instrument or getting in touch with their artistic side, or from serving (and learning from) marginalised groups who are less fortunate.

I especially appreciated the guidance on how to choose what to do - what, where and how long to go. The writers suggest drafting a list of ideas by revisiting childhood dreams, considering hobbies, doing something opposite to your normal work, asking what you’d do if you only had six months left to live and considering where you have had the most fun in the past. Leave enough time to enjoy and experience each place you go to, and allow margin before and after the big trip. List five or so options and then consider which are financially viable and otherwise possible.

I am looking forward to talking and dreaming this through with my family and employers, and then putting it into practice. Watch out for my yet-to-be-published blog about the experience.

The book is a little dated and lacks website and technology references, but is a valuable book for anyone wanting to explore or make the most of an extended period of doing something completely different.

Darren coordinates leadership training with the Baptist Union of Victoria, pastors Auburn Baptist Church and is an honorary research associate with Whitley College (MCD).

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