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business1d ago
They quit, traveled, and rethought their lives — meet the adults taking gap years
- Recent trend shows more adults taking extended breaks to reset careers and travel, despite potential earnings impacts.
- Experts say sabbaticals can improve mental health, confidence, and purpose, benefiting both workers and teams.
- Research from the Academy of Management and Harvard Business School colleagues supports the idea that sabbaticals can yield stronger leaders.
- The piece highlights that timing often aligns with life transitions, such as honeymoons or an empty nest.
- The story includes firsthand accounts of people who quit jobs, traveled, and later returned to or reshaped their careers.
- The article notes that paid sabbaticals remain rare in the U.S., with only a small percentage of companies offering them.
- The piece compiles diverse adult experiences of gap years across ages and lengths to show breadth of impact.
- Experts emphasize flexible approaches, noting time off can redefine a career rather than derail it.
- The article cites a 2025 SHRM benefits survey highlighting leave as a top worker concern.
- The author invites readers who have taken an adult gap year to share experiences with an email address.
- The piece connects personal journeys with broader workplace implications for teams and leadership development.
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