I’m taking a one-year sabbatical. Not because I’m burned out or finished with my work, but because I want to return to it differently. With more clarity. More presence. More capacity for joy, for partnership, and for being in the world beyond my inbox.
This video is part reflection, part logistics, part invitation. I share what led to this decision, how we’re making it work, where we’re going, and what I’m hoping to discover. I also walk you through what I packed (just one carry-on and a backpack), how I’m setting boundaries with work, and how I’ll be tracking this experience without getting caught in performance. (My weepy eyes at the end aren’t a performance, but genuine feels for the enormity of this decision and my gratitude for you all.)
Whether you’re curious about sabbaticals, trying to reclaim space in your own life, or just wondering what this might look like in real time—thank you for being here. Follow me on Instagram for weekly updates: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjdonovan9/
👇 I’d love to hear from you in the comments:
- What questions are you carrying into your own life right now?
- Have you ever taken a sabbatical or paused a pattern that defined you?
- What would your version of “living differently” look like?
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I meant to comment many days ago, after watching your video—but life (in the form of a husband’s surprise 50th party, a niece’s wedding, and many out-of-town guests for all of the above) intervened! I am so ready for a pause in that pattern. 🙂 My FMLA leave in 2021 was just the bigger pause I needed. I was away from teaching for 6 months and brought back with me an ability for stillness, an ability to read for pleasure, and ability to just be that has been invaluable. I hope some of that comes home with you, too!
Thank you, Kate.
Sarah, what a gift you are giving yourself! (And all of us, I think – we have much to learn from this shift, new rhythm, unlearning that you seek – and will unfold – in the days and months ahead.) I listened to your whole video, and I am so appreciative of your generous sharing about your sabbatical. Here’s to your “quiet kind of resistance” (as you said!)…I wish you well! Although I am not on Instagram/social media, I look forward to hearing snippets of your wanderings and discoveries through poetry and other opportunities, should they appear. All the best!!
Sarah,
I hope your sabbatical fulfills all your expectations. In your video you mentioned going to northern Africa, which reminded me you asked me back in April if we were traveling to Hurghada during our trip to Egypt. Yes, we did spend a few days in Hurghada. The Red Sea is gorgeous, and the airport experience is w/out question the worst.
Yes, taking a sabbatical is a privilege, one few teachers in the U.S. experience. It’s reserved for tenured college professors, unlike what educators in many other countries experience. We hosted two French men participating in the international choral festival years ago. One was a high school teacher who shared how teachers in France could take a paid sabbatical every seven years.
I was surprised to hear the plan for your year. I’m not sure how I had the idea in my head that you’d be spending the year in Armenia studying the Armenian genocide.
Regarding shoes: Hiking boots, a pair of sneakers, and a pair of all-purpose (can get wet) sandals are all you’ll need.
Good luck and have fun. It really does sound like you’re going on a year-long vacation.
Thanks, Glenda. We will try to prepare for Hurghada’s airport. Armenian was last summer, and I spent the year studying the genocide with the group but not abroad. We met over zoom much of the year. Great shoe advice. And we do hope to find a way of rebalancing or blending work and vacation. The first few weeks will definitely be more vacation and then we have to figure out a sustainable routine once I return to my research. I might be reaching out to you with more travel questions.
Sarah, your willingness to document your practices is phenomenal! I admire your fearlessness and creating a space for teachers to learn, share and grow together as writers and learners. Thank you for making resources free and for the various ways you’ve created a thriving writing community! Happy trails!
Thank you, friend. I am very nervous about all of this…and excited…and weepy.
I would be saying exactly what Barb said! Looking forward to seeing all this brings. It will be the best adventure.