After 8 years at instinct, Senior Account Director recently headed off on a four month sabbatical to South America. Yes we knew she’d leave a Grace shaped hole on the team, but 8 years is a long time without a break from work – so we were excited for her to go off on her travel adventure. Now returning fresh eyed and bushy tailed, she’s shared why her sabbatical was the best thing for both her and the team… (and for anyone wondering, yes she did ‘find herself’)

1.Career breaks aren’t just for babies!

When I finally asked the big question, and was met with an enthusiastic “Yes!”, I was also told something that really stuck with me:
“I’ve had my mat leaves – you haven’t stepped away yet.”While maternity leave is certainly not a holiday (parents don’t come for me), it does mark a new chapter (or to put it in Taylor Swift terms, a new era). It’s like a mini rebrand – an opportunity to reset, reflect, and return with fresh energy. A sabbatical does the same. It gives you “new job” energy without having to leave a job you love. Ideal.

2.Distance makes the heart grow fonder—and the mind clearerStepping away from anything makes the familiar feel exciting again. It’s like re-discovering your overflowing wardrobe after wearing the same four outfits for four months. At instinct, we’re proud of our strong client retention rate, and stepping back from our long-standing clients helped me return with a fresh take, having shaken off all the “no’s” I’ve gathered over the years.

3.Making time for the ‘me’ in ‘management’

The people make the company – and they’re a big part of why I asked, “Please can I come back?”In my role as the resident “People Person,” I’m lucky to support the team in everything from career development to (equally important) dating advice. But as our beloved personal development trainer Tricia told me (read this in a strong Glaswegian accent):
“It’s high time to do something just for you.”Going from managing a team to being completely left to my own devices for the first time in eight years gave me rare, uninterrupted headspace. A real luxury.
(Though don’t worry – I still gladly received dating updates from across the Atlantic.)

4.Did you miss me?

In a small, busy team, you get into a rhythm that gets sh*t done. So, a long-timer like me stepping away was a valuable exercise – for others to step up, and for leadership to assess where my role fits best moving forward. Growth opportunities all around.

5.From PR to peak

PR is full of curveballs. No day is the same, and you’re constantly adapting – whether it’s tackling an unexpected brief or managing a “surprise” crisis.But hiking 56 miles at 6,000 feet above sea level challenged me in an entirely different way. It showed me what I’m capable of and gave me the confidence to tackle things I once thought impossible, bring on all the briefs!

6.To anyone considering a sabbatical: do it.
Getting to pause your life, explore new places and cultures, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone – while knowing the job you love is waiting for you—is an experience I’ll always be grateful for. And I hope your company and your team are as supportive and enthusiastic as mine were.