Work In Colour - Work. Think. Live. In Colour
Tuesday 13th December 2011 | 5 comments
Like most of us about now, I have been thinking about taking time off. Next week I am going overseas for Christmas, and I am most definitely looking forward to that!
Today's blog adds a work twist to taking a break, to stepping back from the day to day. It's about the power of taking time out from your work, for the sake of the quality of that work. It can be very challenging to step back from your work, especially if you are always busy, or feel indispensable, or just so overwhelmed that you can only focus on getting through the day.
But, there is no doubt that creative thought requires space and that ideas will flow MUCH better after a break.
Not sure? Watch the video below. Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a yearlong sabbatical to rejuvenate and refresh his creative outlook. He explains the often-overlooked value of time off. Even if you can't manage a year (I wish...), even a shorter break can have a measurable impact on your creativity and general enthusiasm.
Take some time off yourself and watch it now:
Tags: reflection, recharge, slow
Best use of 17 minutes in a long time.
Interesting that he talks about Chef Ferran & elBulli. They have closed for a very long sabbatical now (3 or 4 years from memory).
Stefan's idea of borrowing from retirement is tantalising. I fully expect to be working in some capacity past the age of retirement. Perhaps a few months every few years would work better for me...
Heather, thank you. I too found the idea of borrowing from retirement a great reframe - and as I don't really intend to fully retire ever, it has instant appeal!
Love the idea of a year off, but I can't imagine it happening. What shorter time do you think might work? Would a month work?
If you have a month, then that's what you use. I think it's about how you plan it, what your guidelines are - and how you follow through. A month could be a brilliant opportunity to recharge and rethink your working life - or it could just be a month-long party. Therein lies the challenge. It's the same challenge in a year's sabbatical I think - and a year offers more opportunities to procrastinate, too! So, start where you are, use what you have, and go for it...
Could not get enough of this talk. It was amazing. I can vouch for how great sabbatical can be if they have a purpose and are well planned. In 2010, i took a 3 month sabbatical after 9 years of working for my company and it was one of the best things I have done. It allowed me the time to think through my decisions for wanting a career change. Post returning from the sabbatical it took me one year to plan my resignation and start up my own venture which is something I had wanted to do for a long long time. Sabbaticals are so valuable.