Charlie Gilkey & Angela Wheeler: Sabbaticals and Slowbaticals (Episode 241)

In this episode, Angela is back as we discuss why it’s important for founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs of all kinds to consider a sabbatical or a “slowbatical.” Just as it sounds, a slowbatical is a time to slow down, recover, and recharge from career stresses. As a society, we have reached a critical point where we are no longer just working hard but working towards imminent burnout; burnout that will cost you, your clients, your employees, and your bottom line. If you’re reading this and thinking, “I can’t do that,” then this episode is especially for you.

Key Takeaways:

[2:56] When reflecting on this episode, Angela realized she and Charlie continued to have the “burnout” discussion without ever taking a break to recharge.

[7:41] What is a slowbatical? And why it’s more attainable than a true sabbatical.

[9:59] So many of us have reached a tipping point where today’s pace is driving us to burnout on a detrimental scale.

[10:42] One positive of the pandemic is we have begun talking more about burnout and the need for slowing down; even though it was at a tipping point before COVID-19.

[12:48] When we talk about burnout, most people think about being incapacitated but there are levels of burnout. Oftentimes, it’s more gradual than a dramatic implosion.

[14:53] Rather than waiting for a falling out, it’s best to plan for what to do if there is burnout.

[16:06] The OEN April panel discussion spared an important issue which is why there is so much pressure and threat of burnout on founders and small business owners, especially.

[23:55] It’s okay to recognize what role privilege plays in the need for sabbaticals and slowbaticals without discounting the importance.

[27:07] While this episode has an emphasis on founders, it is just as important for those with side hustles or traditional jobs to allow themselves the mindset to slow down.

[30:24] There may be a cost to taking a break, but there will likely be a bigger cost to not taking one.

[34:48] What and when founders and business owners can plan for sabbaticals and slowbatticals.

[44:48] It’s time to stop saying, “I can’t” when it comes to sabbaticals and slowbaticals. And start asking, “Why?”

[46:15] The two questions you need to ask when thinking about a slowbatical are 1) What are you making space to do more of? 2) What are you making space from?

[49:00] Time and time again, people that take slowbaticals find that results remain relatively the same.

[54:15] Angela has not only helped clients and seen their growth with slowbaticals but she’s also had to examine and struggle with this in her own life.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Productive Flourishing

Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie Gilkey

The Academy

Momentum App

OEN April PubTalk

Wanderwell

“Under Pressure” — The Portland Business Journal

YNAB

Hell Yeah or No, by Derek Sivers

“Relax for the Same Result,” by Derek Sivers