Taking Time off on Purpose
An article in the Financial Post, titled, “Woman CEO’s View: No you can’t have it all,” got me thinking about how women are often the ones who take time out of their career to raise a family. That got me thinking about Brenda Barnes.
Brenda Barnes is the poster child for women who want to take time off. Back in 1997, she left a great job and the fast track at PepsiCo to spend more time with her family. Six years later she returned to a prominent role in the business world. She is now president, chairman, and CEO of Sara Lee.
But remember that Barnes’ accomplishment is the exception. That’s why it made news when she decided to take time off and more news when she took the Sara Lee job.
There are reasons besides “family” to take time off. And men also think about getting off the career treadmill for a while. If you’re thinking about taking extended time off for any reason, here are some things to think about.
Taking a long break is always a gamble. It’s more of a gamble if you’re on the Manager Career Path and sometimes it’s impossible if you’re an Entrepreneur.
You can improve your odds with some careful planning. Start by being honest with yourself. How will you feel if you’re not working? Will it feel like a loss of identity or will it be freeing?
Figure out how you’ll pay the bills while you’re not working. Figure that finding a job when you go back will take a while too.
Today companies are looking for ways to use talent that’s not on payroll to meet sudden surges in demand or for special projects. The Wall Street Journal reported on “mommy SWAT teams” pulled together for just such reasons. See if you have similar options.
Don’t lose touch. Brenda Barnes didn’t simply turn into “Susie Homemaker.” She stayed active through board memberships and other contacts.
The bottom line is this. You can take time off for a sabbatical. It won’t be easy and it won’t be safe. But it just might be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done.
