Rowena Hennigan faced a difficult decision in 2023 when she realized that she needed to take an extended break from work. Dealing with disrupted sleep, anxiety, and brain fog, which are common symptoms of menopause, she knew that she needed to prioritize her health and well-being. Despite trying various strategies such as exercise, diet changes, therapy, and occasional breaks, the stress of sleepless nights was taking a toll on her work and mental health.
As a self-employed remote work consultant, Hennigan hesitated to step away from her business, RoRemote, for fear of losing everything she had built over the years. However, she ultimately came to the realization that without prioritizing her health, she could not be a whole and fruitful person. This led her to make the difficult but necessary decision to take a four-month sabbatical starting in December 2023.
During her sabbatical, Hennigan and her family managed to stick to a strict budget to make the most of their time away without her regular income. By staying with friends during the year-end holidays in Gran Canaria and setting a daily food and drink budget of 20 euros per person, they were able to enjoy a cost-effective trip. Additionally, Hennigan budgeted for her portion of fixed costs back home in Zaragoza, allowing her to strike a balance between rest and financial responsibility.
Throughout her sabbatical, Hennigan embarked on various trips while keeping her expenses in check. From a near four-week stay in the Spanish Pyrenees to a month-long trip to Villembits, France, she incorporated affordable activities like hiking and local sightseeing into her travels. By leveraging resources like Trusted Housesitters, Hennigan was able to find accommodation in exchange for taking care of chickens, cats, and gardens, further reducing her expenses.
After spending just under $6,000 during her sabbatical, Hennigan returned to work feeling refreshed and refocused. She attributes her renewed energy and focus to the time she took to rest and prioritize her well-being. While she now balances a part-time role as head of remote operations for a startup with her consultancy work, she carries the lessons of her sabbatical with her in her daily life and work schedule. Additionally, she discovered that her fears about taking a break were unfounded, as her clients were understanding and supportive of her decision.
Rowena Hennigan’s story serves as a testament to the importance of taking a break to prioritize one’s health and well-being. By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address them, individuals can come back feeling more energized and focused. Moreover, Hennigan’s budget-friendly approach to her sabbatical demonstrates that rest and recovery do not have to come at a high cost. Ultimately, by embracing the opportunity to rest and recharge, individuals can return to work with a renewed sense of purpose and perspective.