Sabbaticals: Time [off] well spent | Dennis DiDonna | TEDxEVHS

Emerging research suggests that one of the best things you can do for your career and personal well being is to take extended time off your job. Entrepreneur DJ DiDonna speaks about his own sabbatical, and discusses his research on how sabbaticals can play a transformational role in how we think about ourselves, and the future of work itself. Dennis [DJ] DiDonna has dedicated his career to commercializing social science research to create organizations that positively impact the world. DiDonna founded The Sabbatical Project in 2018 to explore when and why sabbaticals lead to positive outcomes for working professionals. DJ’s research is funded by collaborator Professor Matt Bloom with the Wellbeing at Work initiative at the University of Notre Dame and the Templeton Foundation. Along with Professor Ashley Whillans at Harvard Business School, The Sabbatical Project is now exploring role and effects of companies in making sabbatical policies mainstream. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@joelazaro461]

Today (2022-12-22) was my last day at my job and I'm starting a sabbatical for 6-12 months to level up my software engineering skills, de-stress, work on hobbies, and build good habits to have a healthier lifestyle. Looking forward to it!

[@africanrastafari6307]

Nicee, any interesting updates? Any tips for people that are planning to start one themselves?😊

[@joelazaro461]

@@africanrastafari6307 I recommend making a daily schedule to ensure that you spend time on things that are important. For me, I found it too easy to waste time if there is no structure to my day.

[@africanrastafari6307]

@@joelazaro461 good tip thanks! Hope you enjoy the rest of your sabbatical :)

[@umararshad91]

How was it then?

[@mfanakithi2002]

How is it going

[@SoulfulVeg]

I took a 1 year sabbatical and solo traveled through Central America and Asia. I then worked overseas for a year. I've been back home for 6 years, but I treasure that time. And it fundamentally changed me as a person.

[@someguy3508]

I recently changed my job and I don't like the environment and the way they work (I was pissed at my previous employer and took the first job I found). Right now I am thinking of quitting this job (3 weeks in) and taking a month or two break. I want to relax and improve my skills, as a programmer. Do you think it's a good idea?

[@SoulfulVeg]

@@someguy3508 I don't know your situation. But a break sounds nice

[@someguy3508]

@@SoulfulVeg yea that's what I think too. It's been 4 years at my last job and they were shuffling us around in different projects. I didn't stay anywhere long enough to get proper skills and knowledge of the project and I got so tired of it. Now at my new job I don't like it at all and I'm thinking that maybe it's my issue. I might need a break to relax and train for things I do like. Thankfully there are a lot of software development jobs out there

[@SoulfulVeg]

@@someguy3508 I'm not sure if you are North American, but if you are, you are not getting enough vacation. Before I took my sabbatical, I had never taken off 2 weeks (except 6 weeks to have a baby). So if the job outlook is robust in your industry, maybe a break would be good.

[@someguy3508]

@@SoulfulVeg yea there are a lot of jobs in my country, not NA. I indeed didn't take any long breaks and I am pretty tired. I am quitting tomorrow and I'll still be doing some interviews until I find something I want to do. It's very frustrating to work, study and do interviews at the same time.

[@LeahBandB]

Beginning my sabbatical in a week and a half. I am so grateful to be able to take one, it actually makes me want to cry.

[@anatofind2830]

Omg had it started??

[@DrSpheh]

I’m happy for you 😩… thinking of taking mine next year but don’t have enough to fund it, it’s kind of sad

[@vuho2075]

So how do you like the South Pacific?

[@Youaremychildren]

You need to update us how it went like now! You owe us!! Pleeeeeass

[@rg6807]

how did it go?

[@TingBie]

I am in the middle of a year-long sabbatical after I quit teaching last November. So far, I have travelled to New Zealand and Japan, begun to learn a new language, and will take my mom on a two-week road trip across three states of Australia this month. I even served as a tour guide/driver in July and got to revisit a few attractions in my home state of Tasmania. Over the past six months, I applied for multiple positions in public service and it is very likely I will receive an offer!

[@kennethkarlbriones8261]

I quit my job and went home and traveled to the places at home i never get the chance to visit. Met new friends and all. I didn’t know its called sabatical. Its been 8 mos now.

[@k_nni]

Great talk! I've been on a sabbatical for 4 months now after working in the hospital industry full time for over 16 years, and enjoying my time off!

[@ezedubeeze5675]

beginning my sabbatical tomorrow. This message was very timely, and interested in taking three - six months off

[@akaboo69]

A good friend of mine lives 700 miles from me. Being on sabbatical has allowed us to hang out and spend time together instead of just texting and phone calls.

[@andrewpuckett]

Currently taking a sabbatical and never felt better and becoming more clear on what makes me happier and what's really important.

[@Werevertumoto]

Hi, so how was it getting back to work after your sabbatical?

[@andrewpuckett]

@@Werevertumoto Hey, so I actually discovered some things about myself and have become way more healthy, also looking after my elderly parents. More focused on things that are important to me.

[@Werevertumoto]

@andrewpuckett nice, thanks for answering back, good luck!

[@andrewpuckett]

@@Werevertumoto Thank you

[@jonrambos1976]

I am on the fence of going on a sabbatical, at least for 6 months. After 10 years of two different desk jobs, I think it's time for a change. Thank you for this great Ted talk 👍

[@Werevertumoto]

So did you take it?

[@damianperea702]

I’ve been saving for a year. Planning on taking a sabbatical in February. 15 years at my job I need a huge break from everything

[@stephandalejo]

It’s such a coincidence you mentioned an RV and 3 kids. In my case I have 3 dogs and I’m starting my 6 to a year sabbatical on January 2024. I plan on driving my camper down the panamerican highway all the way to Argentina with my wife and the doggos. After almost 8 years with the same company, I realize I am way too comfortable there and I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately and have started to feel the burnout. It was a tough decision because money is good, but my wife is 33 and we eventually want ro start a family so the time to do it is NOW. Thanks for this!

[@thabitalani1407]

Hows it going

[@Aprilfed]

Currently on my sabbatical, one month in, and already accomplished alot of mini projects. I feel so blessed, grateful, and I feel like this is the best decision I've made in years.

[@miked698]

This has been on my mind for awhile

[@mizzaquarius5505]

Me too

[@matthewbarnden7312]

Finishing my last day of my work tomorrow and preparing for at least 3 month sabbatical. I have a study plan etc, though going up and down like a yoyo.

[@callmetoday12345]

How was it??

[@iCKEST]

How was your leave?

[@matthewbarnden7312]

@@iCKEST It has gone well thanks, I have extended it till Aug. Though I am now keeping an eye open for the right opportunity, and just had a positive interview with a start up in a very early stage. I am still studying and building personal / public projects to bolster my C.V. I have also worked on a couple of other skills, so all in all its being very productive. I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to do.

[@matthewbarnden7312]

​@@callmetoday12345 It has gone well thanks, I have extended it till Aug. Though I am now keeping an eye open for the right opportunity, and just had a positive interview with a start up in a very early stage. I am still studying and building personal / public projects to bolster my C.V. I have also worked on a couple of other skills, so all in all its being very productive. I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to do.

[@alexcardinal6769]

This deserves more views

[@renatasetjoadi7684]

I am currently having a career break, due to my mental health issue. And I was finally able to complete the whole therapy session in a month without being bothered with works (while I am also having freelance work and learning for my Japanese test in this December)

[@staciecampbell5078]

I “retired” two years ago at 55. I’ve learned a lot about myself in that time and now I’d like to go back to work for a few more years.

[@djdidonna2701]

Yes! Sabbaticals are often practice for the Big Sabbatical: retirement :) - it's a jarring experience, especially if you haven't ever had the chance to take time off before...

[@kimberlyelaine]

This made me tear up......I guess I really do need time off.

[@akaboo69]

I'm on sabbatical. I need it!

[@notagain3732]

2 years and less than 30 comments , makes me sad. Ted talks in general need more views

[@luckyducky224]

Mine starts next month and I am so excited. It is so very needed.

[@paolafrancosotomayor4912]

I am on the way, it was not easy but..I am on it. Thanks a lot for the inspiration.

[@EnteR_ChazmaN]

Thanks! I’m currently planning a month or 2 sabbatical when I quit my current job. Cannot wait to just work on myself and enjoy making content for my KZbin Channel

[@henrylelou5470]

How was it? Was it easy to find a job again?

[@EnteR_ChazmaN]

@@henrylelou5470 funny enough I actually got a promotion while planning the sabbatical lol. I’ve just been putting money into a safety fund for myself since then and still want to take a sabbatical but I haven’t gotten back to planning

[@muskangupta883]

30th September is my last day of work. I am planning on taking a 3-6 month long sabattical. To a healthier lifestyle, De-stress my self, spend more time with my loved ones, get to know my family as people as well and not just as my brother/ mom/dad. To find my purpose, I dont know if I'll get it or I have any or anyone has. But whatever it is, if it exists I find the chance to try and find it, justified. Maybe I dont find it, But maybe I would!!!! Want to be in a position, where work doesn't feel like work and I would be happy doing it for my life :) I want to rekindle my hobby of skating, painting, singing, dancing, writing, poetry again!

[@andreaturcios3601]

Hey!! How is it going?

[@MikeThoeresz]

Starting my sabbatical on Saturday :)

[@Mikey-T-Peace-Corps-Thailand]

Great video! Today was the first day of my sabbatical :)

[@ronh1850]

I plan on taking a 6 month sabbatical sometime in the future... a mental break, training, caring for aging parent, and pursuing personal interests. I had a lot of burnout last year as an engineer, the worst of my career. I started to think, was the high salary worth it? I will say, desiring time off either quitting or leave of absence, has taken A LOT of pressure off. I really don't give a f*ck if they lay me off, fire me or whatever. It's liberating...

[@mizzaquarius5505]

❤❤❤👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@princekalender2154]

Is extremely hard, but worth it :)

[@MR_MAKAVELI]

Why hard

[@paraggupta7192]

insightful!!

[@santiagorayo6682]

So deep

[@jaylenlenear7850]

I took a month sabbatical a few months ago and it did help Re energize me. I did some 50-60h work weeks after and even worked a 16h shift one time. I legitimately owe my energy to even be able to work insane shifts without going insane to that sabbatical

[@giangra92]

A month is NOT anything like sabbatical, is normal a normal travel for most of the people. Sabbatical is AT LEAST 6 months.

[@jaylenlenear7850]

@@giangra92 wrong its about a year

[@giangra92]

@@jaylenlenear7850 That's true, tipically is a year, but certainly not a month

[@projectpositive8249]

One month is vacation not sabbatical.

[@jaylenlenear7850]

I used the word sabbatical but it's obvious what I meant

[@ichernichenko]

Planning my sobatical right now. Would love some kind of resources. Doing a whole year. Moving out of the house. Hopefully this will be productive.

[@Direx232]

It’s 2024. Let’s normalize sabbaticals. Btw, LinkedIn is filled with so much toxic positivity it’s pathetic.

[@tildaso4786]

hi i’d like to plan a sabbatical when i finish high school before going to university. I don’t really know what i’d like to do with my life and thought it can help me find what i’d like to do. could someone advise me?

[@hannapereverzieva8055]

Nobody has a right to say what you should do with your life, it is only your privilege. Any way, you should be happy - that is the most important choice. Having a gap year it is a nice decision, especially if you are not sure what specialty suits you. As for me, I rushed to university right after my school without a dream whom I want to become. I passed my tests perfectly so I had a lot of choices. After 13 years my career is not connected with speciality, but I’m still grateful for people that I have met doing my life experiments. So, I wish you to listen to your heart, everything will be alright.

[@DrWho123]

1%? interesting math only if you take 6-month vacation just once per 50 year. In reality, we speak about more periodical sabbticals, like 2-6 months every 4-7 year. That is really close to 10%.

[@djdidonna2701]

you're right - if you take 6 months off in your career, it's only 1% - most people don't even do that, let alone 6 months every 10 years or so (5%). gotta start somewhere!

[@sammcalilly107]

idgaf what people think about my life choices. it's not their life.

[@stephtraveler7378]

commenters are funny. Most don't realize being fired or laid off is not a sabbatical....

[@RolandKoller90]

Great contribution bozo. Glad we have you to differentiate that 😂

[@armedox314]

Oop

[@lightoftheworld69]

Help me create peace light of God is real

[@morningmona]

Privilege

[@graveloot]

Umm... first?

[@stienogamez8296]

Umm… no?

[@fredflintstone3180]

You like an aliei