Taking a 6-month sabbatical completely changed my life

When I took a six-month sabbatical in 2024, I didn’t know how much I needed it. At first, it felt like stepping off a moving train I had worked so hard to be on. A career I loved — 17 years in banking across Vancouver, Paris, London, and Jersey — was suddenly on pause. I hadn’t wanted a break, but our family had relocated, and there wasn’t a suitable role available. I assumed it would be a short stopgap: a moment to settle the children before getting back on the career track. 

But as the weeks and months unfolded, it became clear this wasn’t just about waiting for the right role. Something deeper was happening. For the first time in years, I had space — and, to my surprise, it was extremely confronting. 

READ MORE: Stepping out in faith and taking August off as a freelancer changed everything

It was in that space I realised I had been living in survival mode for years. I was working in an intense job, commuting hours each day, raising two young babies, and juggling everything in between. While for many this is nothing out of the ordinary, I now see I was caught in what psychologists call the exhaustion funnel.  

As life gets full, the first things we let go of are those we deem as optional, which are so often the things that fuel us

As life gets full, the first things we let go of are those we deem as optional, which are so often the things that fuel us — time with friends, quiet moments with God, walks in nature, date night… I thought these things were optional, to return to “later” when the kids were older or life was quieter. But when our world shrinks to only what is urgent rather than important, it becomes utterly draining. 

READ MORE: Finding hope in walking

For me, burnout was subtle — I didn’t realise it until I stopped. I was doing some of my best work, but other areas were suffering. And I wasn’t alone. A 2025 study found 85% of UK workers experience symptoms of burnout, with nearly half needing time off for mental health reasons. We live in a culture that glorifies busyness, constantly telling us to do more, earn more, be more, and produce more. And this isn’t healthy.  

Reading through the Gospel of Mark, I noticed how Jesus modelled a rhythm of retreat and return.

A few months in, a friend invited me to join Hope90, a 90-day spiritual formation journey. It gave me a framework to pause, reflect, and look honestly at my life. Reading through the Gospel of Mark, I noticed how Jesus modelled a rhythm of retreat and return. After his baptism, he spent forty days in the desert. After days of healing, teaching, and serving, he often withdrew to spend time with the Father. For the first time, I realised rest isn’t optional — it’s essential. 

I became convinced my pre-sabbatical years didn’t need to feel so depleting. Being a working mum — or whatever your busy season looks like — is stretching, yes, but it doesn’t have to drain your soul. I began asking: How can we live full, meaningful lives without waiting for a sabbatical or annual leave to recover? 

One year later, here’s what I’ve learned: 

• Redefine what’s non-negotiable. In busy times, I used to sacrifice the very things that gave me life. I won’t do that again. Protect what fills your cup. 

• Be clear on your priorities. When your values and goals are clear, you can give energy to what truly matters instead of chasing what’s urgent. 

• Learn to say no — even to good things. If you’re feeling drained, no might be your most powerful word. 

• Schedule rest. Jesus did it. God commanded it. He Himself rested on the seventh day. Rest isn’t selfish — it’s sacred, it’s strategic, and it gives you the stamina to live out whatever God is calling you to do with excellence. Plan in your daily, weekly, annual rhythms of retreat and return.    

So, what’s next? I won’t be returning to my finance career. Instead, I want to share my journey with women who feel like I once did. Right now, that looks like hosting Still Waters Retreats in Jersey: creating space for people craving rest, quiet, and unhurried time with God. 

That six-month sabbatical changed my life. It showed me rest is not selfish but essential. It reminded me my worth is not defined by my career and taught me how to live a life that flows from peace — not pressure.