As the Chicago Tribune Editor in Chief gave up her job, or Sabbatikal in action

When I announced that I was leaving, the reactions were different. Some were confused, others pricked up their ears, others expressed horror mixed with grudging respect. Who would have thought that I was crazy. Close friends were happy for me.

More often than not at the meeting he told me: "Wow! I would have wanted so much! ". I replied: "So do! It's possible. " I still tell everyone so. Because, looking at 13 months ago, I understand that to be happy. I do not want to wrap around.

Of course, I was incredibly lucky. Long-term interruptions - a luxury that can afford not everyone. Many injected from morning till night and, despite this, they can barely make ends meet. So I always look at the opportunities available to me as a gift of destiny for which to be grateful.

I take time out of his career as a springboard for her in the future. Therefore, before I spent sabbatikalom serious preparatory work. The first was a few lists. Looking back, I realize that everything is correct calculated.

Know yourself

The decision to sabbatikale should not be taken hastily or rashly. I weighed it for a long time and was absolutely convinced of its necessity.

If you are afraid of uncertainty, if you are afraid to riskThen sabbatikal not for you. Although, of course, we can try to give yourself the necessary installation and discard the doubt. For example, I was not inclined to take risks, but I struggle with underpants inside.

Before taking sabbatikal, I made a list of reasons why I want to take a break from work. I emphasize: his beloved work. The document was stored on my laptop in case zakradutsya doubt whether I did the right thing. I've never opened it. But I was calm because he is.

The fact that a few months after the start of sabbatikala mind begin to soar doubt. Do you remember the operation, even miss her. Sometimes it can take so radical form that you start to think: "But did not I wrong?". And then come to the aid of a list of reasons. We opened, looked and found that you need a break from the routine. On it there are really good reasons - that is, you even wrote them down.

I also keep on hand all the positive reviews, tweets and posts from people who have supported me to learn about my decision and gave me advice.

financial planning

Apart from the above motivational list, you need to make rational financial plan sabbatikala on time. If you are not sagacious to plan their financial affairs for the year ahead, then make a plan for at least a few months.

Experts recommended to always have a financial cushion in the amount of six-month earnings. I had been saving to sabbatikal. Also in front of him, I tried to get rid of all the debts. Believe me, you will feel much more confident during their long vacation, knowing that you do not have any financial obligations.

To work for the money to eventually die and die? This is clearly not about me. So I spent my savings on sabbatikal without compunction.

The purpose and to-do-list

I want my sabbatikal was targeted. I would like to recharge their "creative batteries", to learn new ways, find new friends, discover new opportunities for themselves.

Therefore, to write a long list of things I wanted to do while on vacation. Some of these things are quite specific (for example, to learn kodit), And some - a very vague (say "yes" to any new sentence). were also on the list, even things like "lie on the couch" or "watching TV with a beer in his hand" - I'm not a saint. This to-do-list is stored on my laptop during the sabbatikala. Reaching something of scheduled, I expunged it.

One of the items on my list - "make new friends". For a year I was on the set lunches, dinners, cocktail parties, met with old and new acquaintances. I answered consent to any proposal to meet whether I knew this person or not. I especially liked spending time with former colleagues. Communication goes quite differently when there is no subordination between you: "What are you! It's my boss! ".

Accountability

Lists are important. But even more important responsibility. So I gave the word to themselves and others that will do it. Even my Christmas letter in 2015 was something of a subtotal of my sabbatikala.

I analyzed and summarized the experience gained this year, I wanted to do and what to do. What for? Perhaps, just for myself.

It really works?

Yes. It was wonderful. As I lived the way I want to for 13 months, learning new, traveling. I reacted to this release as if it was my job, and eagerly absorbed the new experience, what would he or lay.

I traveled across the United States and abroad. Together with her husband five weeks we lived in Paris. Wanted to understand what it is - to live with his family in a rented apartment. It was wonderful.

Over the past year I learned a lot: to cook ramen, write simple code. I attended a theater improvisation and make a site for your amateur record label.

I've helped others. Handing out food in the dining room nearby school, worked in the agency sends the book in women's prisons. Processed vegetable and resolve other long-standing issues in our house.

It was a great year! But in the public mind a person live to work. And more and more often I hear the question: "Where are you now'll go to work?". He leads me here at such a thought.

You have to know when sabbatikal finish and return to work.

My list began to draw to a close, and I felt ready to return to work. Now I am open to any suggestions, whether full time, temporary vacancy or advice.

Prolonged Retirement can be described in various ways: a sabbatical, sabbatikalom... But deep down that's what I would do if you suddenly found out that I needed to live only one year.

I hope that in 2016, which for me yet full of suspense, will be as rich as the past 13 months. At least for him, I already have a list, too.