Three Lessons From My Sabbatical

By Kaitlin Byrnes

Big Sky Public Relations Media Specialist

In May, I had the life-changing opportunity to take a fully paid, month-long sabbatical thanks to Big Sky PR’s incredible leadership and team. It’s a benefit the company offers to employees who reach five years of employment, and it’s one of the most meaningful professional rewards I’ve ever received.

Many companies offer extended time off with limitations - one week here and there, or a month unpaid. This sabbatical was different. It was fully paid, and that made all the difference. I can say with certainty: I wouldn’t have taken the time if it meant going without a paycheck. The financial peace of mind allowed me to truly step away and invest in rest, personal growth, and reflection.

This wasn’t just a gift from leadership; it was a collective effort. The entire Big Sky PR team pulled together to make it possible for me to unplug completely. Their support meant I didn’t have to check emails, answer messages, or worry about the day-to-day. While I didn’t think about work during the month, I often thought about my coworkers and looked forward to sharing everything I experienced and learned.

So, what did I do with a whole month away from work? Quite a bit:

• I got married (easily the highlight!).

• Traveled to Japan.

• Deep-cleaned and organized my home.

• Celebrated Memorial Day with friends at Huntington Beach.

It was a month filled with love, adventure, and clarity. But beyond the milestones, the time off gave me the space to reflect. That’s where the biggest lessons emerged.

What I Learned:

With time to slow down and listen to myself, I discovered that between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. is when I feel most energized, especially when it comes to working out and being productive.

When you're not in the thick of daily deadlines, it's easier to see what burnout really looks like and what you need to recover. Through my sabbatical, I realized that staying physically active and prioritizing my hobbies keeps me on track. Since my time off, I have increased my exercise, grown pumpkins, read more, and made art out of clay.

With distance from the usual routine, I had a clearer lens to reassess my personal and professional goals and set new ones that reflect where I am now.

This sabbatical wasn’t just time off; it was a reset. I’m re-energized, re-centered, and I show up for our clients and team in an even more meaningful way. If you're lucky enough to work somewhere that offers a sabbatical, take it. And if you're in a position to offer one, do it. The return on investment is powerful for the person and the work they do.