Sabbatical Update

I’m 58 days into my second-ever career pause, having recently closed out a decade-long chapter with the global digital consulting firm, Credera.

My first career break was all about personal exploration. I backpacked across Europe, met incredible people from wildly diverse cultures, and gained a sense of independence and confidence that can only come from being lost in a city where you don’t speak the language. Back then, I didn’t think about my career at all—or what I’d do when I got back. This blog was born during that time, and you can find those stories starting here - It's All Greek To Me

This time feels different, though. This pause is about career inspiration. I’m asking myself: What work will I dedicate the back half of my career to? What will bring me joy and leave a meaningful impact on the world?

If I had the answer today, I’d share it with you—but I don’t. Right now, my ideas and potential paths all exist in one big, chaotic bundle of energy.

I know, I know. Two months in, and I still have no clue what I want to do for the rest of my life. Get. It. Together. Amanda.

(Just kidding, obviously. I'm learning this process is going to take time, and I’m incredibly grateful to have it right now.)

By way of quick update, here's what I've been up to.

What I've kept consistent:

Morning Routines: I’m still waking up 530 am to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before getting my little guys ready for school.
Exercise: If you know me that’s a no-brainer, but what may surprise you is that I haven’t increased my exercise—I’ve stayed consistent with 45 min –1 hr a day.
Meditation: I’m experimenting with new styles of meditation and breath work but still try to find a few moments of stillness everyday.

What I’ve added:

Reading and Creative Learning: I’ve read 9 books since Thanksgiving, 50% beach read, 50% denser content, a mix of text and audio. I’ve taken an espresso class and spend more time than I’m willing to admit trying to make a good cup of espresso every morning. I’ve spent several hours watching the “Surprise Me” feature on the TedTalk app and have learned about everything from AI in sports to penguins.
Connection: If you’ve gotten a call from me or get one, know that it’s genuine— I just want to catch up. After 2-3 weeks of not wanting to talk to anyone (December was hibernation), I’m craving casual, connect-just-to-connect conversations that aren’t on a screen & aren’t time-boxed to 28 minutes. Feel free to give me a call sometime!
Writing: I’m trying to rebuild the habit of writing. Right now, it’s only getting published here, my personal blog backpacksandbarbells.com. I’m using James Clear’s two-minute rule where I write for just 2-10 minutes, 3x / week to remember that : 1. I like writing 2. It doesn’t always have to be an hours-long process.

What has gone away:

Social media: This is the first week I’ve even looked at any social network and, to be honest, I’m still TBD on how I feel about it.
A stacked calendar: There is a LOT of free space in my day.
Tech: I’ve generally avoided all technology where possible. It feels crazy now that a normal day was 10–12 hours on a screen. Maybe that becomes my reality again, but, for now, the real, tangible world is cool too.

This sabbatical has been equal parts rediscovery and recalibration. I’ve traded the constant buzz of deadlines for slower, more intentional days that remind me how much life exists beyond screens and stacked calendars. While I don’t have a grand plan for what’s next, I’m leaning into this space to explore, connect, and simply be. If nothing else, these 58 days have taught me that stepping away isn’t just about what you leave behind—it’s about what you make room for.

Thanks for following along (all two of you who subscribe 😊). Let’s see where this chapter goes!