More People Taking Extended Work Breaks

Whether it's a mini-sabbatical or an adult gap year, the trend of taking substantial time off from work is growing

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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More people are taking extended breaks from their jobs, whether it's a mini-sabbatical, adult gap year, or micro-retirement. These extended work breaks allow people to pursue passion projects, go on exciting adventures, or recover from burnout. While cost, responsibilities, and fear of judgment can be obstacles, some companies are offering paid or unpaid leave to retain valued employees. Experts say the trend reflects a shift in attitudes, with more people recognizing the value of rest and new perspectives, though American work culture still lags behind Europe in prioritizing time off.

Why it matters

The rise in extended work breaks highlights changing attitudes about the importance of rest, work-life balance, and personal growth. It also reflects efforts by some companies to retain talented employees by offering more flexibility. However, the trend faces cultural and financial barriers, as taking substantial time off from work is still seen as risky or indulgent in many American workplaces.

The details

Experts identify three main types of extended work breaks: 'working holidays' to pursue passion projects, 'free dives' combining adventure and rest, and 'quests' for burned-out individuals to undergo life-changing explorations. More than half of those interviewed self-funded their breaks. Coaches and mentors are working to encourage the 'sabbatical-curious' since paid employer-sponsored leaves are still uncommon. Some find creative ways to afford extended time off, like housesitting or relocating to lower-cost areas. Overcoming fears and gaining 'permission' from family and friends is also a common hurdle.

  • In 2018, Roshida Dowe decided to spend a year traveling after being laid off from her job as a corporate lawyer in California.
  • In 2014, Stephanie Perry took a vacation in Brazil that served as a catalyst for her later decision to take an extended gap year to travel.

The players

Kira Schrabram

An assistant professor of management at the University of Washington's business school who studies meaningful and sustainable work.

DJ DiDonna

A Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer who founded the Sabbatical Project, an initiative that promotes sabbaticals as 'a sacred human ritual'.

Matt Bloom

A University of Notre Dame Professor Emeritus who, along with Schrabram and DiDonna, interviewed 50 U.S. professionals who took an extended break from non-academic jobs.

Roshida Dowe

A former corporate lawyer in California who decided to spend a year traveling after being laid off in 2018, and later became an online career-break coach.

Stephanie Perry

A former pharmacy technician who took a gap year to travel and later co-founded ExodUS Summit, a virtual conference for Black women to discuss taking sabbaticals or moving abroad.

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What they’re saying

“When I coach women who are looking to take a sabbatical, the main thing they're looking for is permission.”

— Roshida Dowe, Online career-break coach

“Housesitting is the reason I can work very little and travel a lot.”

— Stephanie Perry, Former pharmacy technician, co-founder of ExodUS Summit

“It was a great way to connect with my past life.”

— Ashley Graham, Nonprofit worker

“It was terrifying. It was a huge exercise in trust.”

— Eric Rewitzer, Artist

“For me, it's a spiritual regeneration.”

— Gregory Du Bois, Retired IT worker, life coach

What’s next

The Sabbatical Project plans to continue promoting the benefits of extended work breaks and providing resources to help people take them, in hopes of normalizing the practice in American workplaces.

The takeaway

The rise in extended work breaks reflects a growing recognition of the value of rest, new perspectives, and work-life balance, though cultural and financial barriers remain. Companies that offer paid or unpaid leave may have an advantage in retaining talented employees, while individuals find creative ways to afford time off. Overall, the trend signals a shift in attitudes about the role of work in people's lives.