Creating A Slow Season: Why We Should Welcome Work Sabbaticals

POSTED
October 24, 2017
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Creating A Slow Season | Why I Welcomed a Work Sabbatical | Taking Time Off To Work ON Your Business | Entrepreneurial Advice | Social Media Consultants | Online Marketing Educators | Dérive Collective via @elanaloo + elanaloo.comCreating A Slow Season | Why I Welcomed a Work Sabbatical | Taking Time Off To Work ON Your Business | Entrepreneurial Advice | Social Media Consultants | Online Marketing Educators | Dérive Collective via @elanaloo + elanaloo.com Creating A Slow Season | Why I Welcomed a Work Sabbatical | Taking Time Off To Work ON Your Business | Entrepreneurial Advice | Social Media Consultants | Online Marketing Educators | Dérive Collective via @elanaloo + elanaloo.comphotography by the incredible Zephr Image

These past couple of months have been carved out intentionally as my slow season.

The beginning half of this year whipped past in a blur: hosting beloved guests most of the spring (shout out to everyone who visited + made our year!), then launching our site + our book on authentic social media shortly after and if that wasn’t enough, we decided to take on an entire renovation — all while working with some absolutely incredible clients!

After all of that, we welcomed a sabbatical with open arms. We welcomed the idea of slow, unscheduled time allowing for spontaneity, creativity and connection to thrive. We welcomed it alllll. We needed this. I needed this.

We took on less clients with Dérive Collective so we could focus our energy on looking inward, talking about areas of need, areas of desire and where we want to take our business in this coming year.

We decided to take this ‘off time’ with the intention to take a wider look at everything we offer, develop more ways to serve and continue to build upon our client experience! As an entrepreneur it’s often times hardest to work on your business, not just for your business but it is crucial. Investing time, money, energy + focus into refining and growing your business is the best investment you can make.

My goal over these months was simple: less hustle, more heart. We wanted this time to spend with our loved ones much more unplugged, to connect with them — in the *laugh-until-you-pee, don’t-care-where-my-phone-is, emails-can-wait* kind of way.

Over the months of August, September and October we rediscovered our creative mojo, explored all over the east coast and allowed our adventures to inspire our photography – not just deadlines. We soaked up everything Maine had to offer (yea, lighthouses + lobster, I’m talkin’ bout YOU!) and even my type-A, routine-loving self embraced + absolutely loved the freeness of this season.

I couldn’t have asked for a better time spent across the country. It was exciting at times, hard at others, mundane and calming were mixed in there too, but the main takeaway was how GOOD ‘chasing slow’ felt. How I didn’t have to feel guilty about it, or glorify busyness to feel like our business is succeeding and instead, I gave myself permission to embrace the time and use it to it’s fullest.

Gave myself permission to love on myself, to read, to start mornings without a screen in my face, to spend time lots of time with some of my favorite people in the whole world, to share less on social media but with the same amount of intention, to step back and look at my big business goals, not just the everyday tasks that need to be accomplished + to dream for what’s to come.

I re-realized that this is the beautiful part of life, not the hustle and action. I re-realized that I can feel purpose through these types of seasons, not just the busy ones where I feel most passionate and proud. And after sifting through everything I’ve felt, I know that I need to build “sabbaticals” or “slow seasons” into my life starting now – not when I’m retired. And even more vital than that? I need to quit stuffing my days so full, constantly comparing my day to a to-do list. I will not allow my success to be defined by ‘busyness’ but instead allow for space and breathe and LIFE. 

Can I get a HELL YES? 

I’m smiling as I type this. Are you smiling too?
I love the lessons this season has taught me and am happy to be sharing with you.

I’ve come back rejuvenated with a head full of ideas, with a few new things in the works and my creative wheels turning. This is why I love taking time away – you can come back with a fresh perspective + renewed excitement!

Now that we are back from this sabbatical, I wanted to share that we only have a few client slots available for the remainder of the year. We are fired up after our time away + ready to pour our energy into our clients businesses. If you’re ready to gain clarity on your social strategy, start seeing your efforts convert + see how your online marketing can change the landscape of your business — send us an email here.

Meet the writer

I'M ELANA JADALLAH

Thanks for reading! I'm a photographer, writer & environmental advocate excited to be sharing regenerative solutions, ideas & concepts for our lives & businesses with you. 

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  1. I love that you did this! I am really feeling the need to have a sabbatical myself!

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