I took a 6-month sabbatical after working for 10 years. I dreaded going back to work but returned as a better employee.

• Jon Schubin took a six-month sabbatical to travel after 10 years at the same company.
• He volunteered, explored Russian-speaking areas, and visited family and friends.
• The experience revitalized him, and he found unexpected pleasure in his job when he returned.

At the beginning of 2023, I realized I was in worse shape than I thought. I was grumpy, irritable, and struggling through the day.

I had a way out: a six-month sabbatical at half pay, a reward from my marketing and communications firm for 10 years of service.

Once I passed the eight-year mark, I knew I would be staying through my paid break, and I knew I would spend it in Russia, as I'd been studying the language for a few years.