This past August, after celebrating five years at BAM, I stepped away from my day-to-day for a six-week sabbatical — a benefit that feels almost mythical in today’s corporate world. When I told family and friends, I was met with every reaction imaginable: Is it paid? Why would you do that? Aren’t you too young? Aren’t you afraid you won’t have a job when you come back?
For context, I’m someone who begged my parents for a “real” job at 12 and was working in restaurants by 15. After college, I took exactly one week off before starting my full-time career in PR. So to say I haven’t had this kind of break since before high school is not an exaggeration. And yes — I was scared. Not because of the fears everyone else projected, but because I genuinely wondered: What on earth will I do with this much unstructured time?
What I didn’t expect was just how transformative those six weeks would be. I came back not only refreshed, but more creative, energized, and profoundly grateful for the team that made it possible.
A Summer of Reconnection (and Suitcases)
If there’s ever a season to take extended time off, wedding season is it. My sabbatical lined up perfectly with three out-of-town weddings across the East Coast — and for once, I got to be fully present, soaking in all of the beautiful moments without my inbox competing for attention.
I also carved out time for girls’ weekends — the kind we always promise we’ll plan “someday” when life slows down, but it never does. We took a Cape Cod beach trip and a four-wheeling adventure in northern New Hampshire. These weekends were the kind of carefree, laugh-until-you-cry fun that adulthood tends to ration far too sparingly.
Wedding Planning Without Stress
Anyone planning a wedding knows it can feel like a second job. With uninterrupted time, I was able to cross off major wedding to-dos and actually enjoy the planning process — something I didn’t think was possible. I had space to think, get excited, and make thoughtful choices without feeling rushed.
That sense of ease spilled into everyday life too: afternoons on my back patio with my Bernedoodle Tucker, spontaneous naps, guilt-free workouts, and finishing some house projects that never survive a 40-hour workweek.
Time With the People Who Matter Most
One of the biggest gifts of my sabbatical was the ability to slow down enough to truly connect with my parents, my friends, and my fiancé. There’s something special about having time that isn’t over-scheduled or overshadowed by mental to-do lists. Those moments felt richer, lighter, and more meaningful.
The Power of a Strong Team
A sabbatical only works if you can unplug fully, and I could because my team had everything handled. Knowing my clients and accounts were in steady, brilliant hands allowed me to step away without looking over my shoulder.
Walking back into work in October with zero urgencies isn't just a luxury, it’s a testament to the strength and trust we’ve built as a team. That peace of mind made every moment of my time off possible.
By the time I returned, I felt genuinely renewed. Accounts I’d been in the weeds on for years felt new and exciting. I came back with a fresh perspective, clearer thinking, and new creative momentum. That mental reset elevated the way I show up for my clients and team.
Invest In Your People
I’m incredibly grateful to BAM for creating a culture where stepping away is encouraged and supported. This sabbatical was an investment in my wellbeing and longevity with the team. If you're a leader or decision-maker reading this, I'd encourage you to consider how sabbaticals could transform your workplace. Employees who dedicate years to a company deserve the chance to step away, recharge, and return inspired. The ROI isn't just retention — it's the energy, ideas, and engagement people bring back with them.
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