Time out?

It's almost year end, most of us are probably looking forward to our bonus. With God's blessings, we hope that it'll be a good one to reflect the hard work that we've put in the entire year. But the more crucial question is, what's in for us after this? 2007 is almost coming to an end. Most of my new year's resolution for 2007 has not yet been achieved still. Where do I stand?

To make things worst, weekends are never long enough. Holidays are what we need, but before you know it, you're back in the office on a Monday and by Friday, you're planning your next trip because you are exhausted. Often, we find ourselves looking forward to the weekend and dreading going back to work on Monday. Jobs once handled by a team are now dumped on just one, and that would be US.

Stress levels are sky rocketing. Deskbound and stagnant, we are envious reading and hearing about people, may it be friends or an article somewhere about where they had been jetting off to over the weekend, attending some friend's wedding in Bali or enjoying a spa in Phuket. And here you are, stuck in the office, going absolutely nowhere but amending the sad pathetic looking voluminous agreement. Sucks, yes it does. Don't we all want Anthony Bourdain's job? Travelling, eating and getting paid well?

What do all these symptoms mean? Does it mean we need a change in our life? A haircut? A makeover? A new wardrobe? Or do we need to change our lifestyle? A new job? New friends? Shopping, also known as retail theraphy which used to be a cure for most women, at least for me was my way of de-stressing. Unfortunately, a weekend at the Pavillion, an up and rising shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur has made me even more stressed than before as I think about the credit card statement which is due to be paid in 2 weeks.

What now? A sabbatical may be a way out. Sabbatical, an extended hiatus in your career to recharge and rest or perhaps acquire new skills and training. Learn to speak Korean language maybe? Improve your cooking skills? Furthering your studies might be an option too. Or maybe all you want to do is to finish reading that chic lit of yours sitting on your rack collecting dust.

It's always easier said than done. If you are thinking of going on a sabbatical, perhaps you should really start saving your money because money matter. Savings aside, you should take as much time to weigh your options and plan for a sabbatical.Mentally, you'll need to prepare for the change to your lifestyle and adjust to the lack of income. Perhaps this may the beginning to something even bigger ahead for you.

Guest writer,
Meng Choo