“Sometimes the most productive thing I can do is rest.”

Every time I experience envy of another business owner doing something like working fewer hours or being a digital nomad in Bali, I remind myself: “You’re self-employed! You can do whatever you want.” That’s why, today, I'm preparing to leave on an indefinite sabbatical. if you've ever wondered, “What's a sabbatical, and how do I get me one of those?” this episode is for you.

I once heard a fellow business owner talk about taking a sabbatical. It was the kind of thing that I knew was too soon, but I definitely felt a little bookmark activate in my brain. "That'll be me someday," I thought.

And now, it is!

Earlier this year, I heard the call to take a sabbatical. For a change, a HUGE change—I'm not burned out.

The next iteration of my work and life is coming through to me in divine downloads, but I can’t hear what it is with all the activity around me. So, I’m taking a hiatus from everything except my 1:1 clients.

As I prepare to step away on this indefinite creative sabbatical, I’m diving into what it really means to rest, renew, and create space for the next phase of growth.

In this final episode of Season 20, I share personal stories of burnout, unexpected sabbaticals, and the intentional decision to pause. You’ll learn about the origins of sabbaticals and why creating rest in your business is essential for long-term growth.

Whether you’re planning for a future sabbatical, curious about the idea, or just need to integrate more rest into your routine, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you approach your work.

Key Takeaways:

Why sabbaticals aren’t just for professors (and how to plan your own)
The difference between unintentional and intentional sabbaticals—and what both taught me
How business owners can integrate rest into their daily, weekly, and yearly routines
How to avoid waiting until burnout forces you to stop.

This isn’t just about taking a break; it’s about cultivating a sustainable, joyful business and life. Tune in to this reflective and practical episode of Profitable Joyful Consulting on your favorite podcast app, or listen/read the transcript directly at SamanthasPodcast.com.

The best way to stay in touch with me during my sabbatical, and after, is through my newsletter. Sign up here when you get free tools to grow your consulting business, like the Self-Assessment: The 10 Drivers of Consulting Business Success on The Path to $2 Million™ Visit: http://SamanthaHartley.com/Super

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For more tips to help you create a profitable, joyful business without exhaustion, let’s connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you grow your consulting business:

🎧 Subscribe to Profitable Joyful Consulting on YouTube and your favorite podcast app: https://samanthaspodcast.com.

💃🏻 Work with me to multiply your revenues without exhaustion. Click to book a 12-minute Clarity Call with my Growth Strategist: https://samanthahartley.com/claritycall/

Mentioned in this episode:

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Is a Sabbatical Right for You?