Taking a sabbatical or career break can offer space for deep reflection, facing some hard truths, and discovering what it takes to truly grow from them. From June through December 2021, I did exactly that. It was a humbling, insightful, and life-changing journey.
Before I share some reflections that came out of this experience, I want to acknowledge that I was in a privileged position to take this break, and I know that might not be possible for everyone—or it may just look different—depending on your situation. In no particular order, here are my major takeaways:
- Reengage With Your Own City: During my career break, I saw New York City in a whole new light. Whether it was exploring a neighborhood I’d never been to, attending a protest I had always skipped because of my previous role, or catching a midday performance in the park, I found this was my opportunity to shake off the excuses, the burnout, and the jam-packed schedule.
- Focus on Yourself: This break gave me the chance to prioritize self-care in a way I hadn’t before. From getting much-needed rest to exploring different therapeutic practices, I made time for myself in a way that felt long overdue. It’s eye-opening what comes up when you finally face the things you’ve been avoiding while caught up in the daily grind.
- People Will Be Curious: It’s funny how hitting pause on your career suddenly makes everyone around you interested in your career. Whether they come from a place of genuine concern or see it as a chance to explore their own insecurities about work through you, lean into these conversations. They can lead to some pretty eye-opening discussions about work, life, and what really matters.
- Family May Be Concerned: Mine expressed concerns about my finances, my professional resilience, and when/if I would land my next role. This was certainly contextual to me being a Black man in America. It’s natural for loved ones to worry, especially if they are not in a position to offer housing, networking, or forms of financial support. Reassure them that you have a financial plan, and stay focused on your journey.
- Going Home Can Be a Rollercoaster: During my time off, I spent more time with family than I had in years—and let me tell you, it had its ups and downs. I had to really think about why I’d been so focused on work before, often at the expense of being a fully present family member. It’s an opportunity to deepen those relationships, but it also brings out some of the old dynamics. Make sure you set boundaries.
- You Will Experience Waves: One day you’ll feel totally free and energized, and the next might feel slow or unproductive. You’ll go through all kinds of emotions—joy, boredom, exhaustion, and everything in between. Be patient with yourself; it’s all part of the process.
- Reconnect With People: One of the best things I did during my career break was reconnecting with people from different parts of my life. We grabbed coffee, shared dinners, went on walks, and talked about everything. It’s a chance to see which friendships are still strong and rekindle connections that may have drifted. Some relationships will grow, and others might naturally come to an end—and that’s totally okay.
- Be a Tourist in Other Cities: Depending on your financial situation, career breaks can be the perfect time to visit places you’ve always wanted to see—without the usual work stress hanging over you. If you have friends or family with a spare room or couch, visit them. It’s a great way to see how life flows at a different pace in their city or town.
- Recognize the Importance of Routines: Whether you thrive on a set schedule or love the freedom of an open day, it’s crucial to understand which routines work best for you. Career breaks can disrupt your usual rhythms, affecting sleep and activity levels. Pay attention to how you adapt and make necessary adjustments to help you stay grounded during this time.
- Give Deep Consideration to Your Next Role: When opportunities arise, take your time to evaluate them. During my career break, I collaborated with my coach to ask essential questions about my past roles and what I truly wanted in the next one. I also took on some one-off projects and journaled about my experiences to reflect on what surfaced during that work. Ensure that whatever comes next aligns with the work environment, goals, and values you need to thrive.
- Get Real About Your Relationship with Money and Identity: This career break pushed me to confront the ways I was socialized around money and how I valued myself as Black, as a man, as the eldest, and from the suburbs of Boston. Being the “earner” played a big role in how I saw myself. Here are a few things to think about: What comes up for you when your spending habits have to change? Do you need to rethink your budget and set a career break timeline? How do you talk to friends and family about your shift in financial priorities?
- Understand Work and Self-Worth: My career break became a mirror, reflecting my complex connection with work. It ranged from broad societal concerns to personal introspections, like “Why this relentless pursuit? Who am I beyond my job title?” For me, being an “unemployed” Black man, it was crucial to address internalized stereotypes about self-worth, not assume others’ perceptions, while being real about America’s perpetual views of Black people and labor.
- Leave Your Role Behind, Not Your Relationships: When I stepped into my career break, I got all kinds of reactions from professional contacts. The most amusing were from colleagues who’d barely spoken to me before, suddenly setting up lunches to see “What’s next?” As you get further away from your former role, trust your gut when deciding who you want to stay connected with because the solidarity you build through work doesn’t always carry over into the rest of your life.
- Embrace Change: Career breaks can be transformative. They challenge your views and relationships,, realign your priorities, and push you into deep introspection and exploration. It’s a rare opportunity for growth and self-discovery, especially when you consciously use the time and energy that would normally go into your day-to-day work to break free from the familiar.
Before my break, I never imagined stepping into coaching, leadership development, or launching my own equity-focused LLC. But here I am. Remember, life is a series of chapters, each offering its own lessons and opportunities.
David DeVaughn ’07, MPA, ACC, is the founder and managing principal of StrivEquity Consulting LLC, a racial equity-focused leadership development consulting firm, specializing in executive coaching and leadership development for mid-career Black, Brown, and people of color professionals. In addition to being credentialed as an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, he holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College. He also serves as a part-time career coach for Cooper Union’s Retraining Program for Immigrant Engineers.