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SIX MONTHS OFF: How To Plan, Negotiate, & Take The Break You Need Without Burning Bridges Or Going Broke
Six Months Off is a complete guide to planning and taking the break you've been dreaming of, without losing your job or your nest egg, or alienating your family and friends.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 12, 2009
This book is getting a bit out of date in terms of the specific sabbatical opportunities it recommends, but it remains very well written, inspiring, and full of good guidance on the mechanics of planning, negotiating, and embarking upon whatever sabbatical experience you choose. One of the useful pieces of advice I took away was to consider using the sabbatical not to escape your job but instead to reignite your enthusiasm for your job. Sabbaticals with an evident benefit to your employer are the easiest ones to negotiate (and to embark up on while retaining your current job). Good reading!
December 23, 2020
In Six Months Off, Dlugozima et al. discuss in detail several aspects of the sabbatical: logistics, employer negotiations, and ideas for what types of things to do. They also go into three case studies of individuals and families who each took three to six months off for different ends.
These case studies were probably my favorite part of the book. They included a banker learning Spanish in Guatemala, who ended up starting a homestay matching business; an Iowa farming family knowledge sharing in early 1990s Hungary; and a factory worker who hiked the Appalachian trail and decided to move to the country afterwards. While these all sounded like fulfilling trips, none of them quite fit the mold of what I'd want if I were to take a sabbatical.
One of the book's biggest flaws is that it's quite dated. Written in the 1990s, it captures that weird period where computers began connecting people somewhat but not enough to keep up with critical bills and the like while on the road. It includes suggestions like giving your banker some blank checks to pay emergency bills for you, which seems like a true anachronism: did such a high-touch personal service really ever exist?
My biggest issue with the book was the limited variety of ideas it presented. Taking time off to travel or backpack is a pretty basic use case (and in fact I've taken a gap year to do the same). Having heard about this book in Tim Ferriss' The Four Hour Workweek, I was hoping to be more inspired by stories of people building new real skills, asking hard questions and re-inventing themselves.
My biggest takeaway was probably just understanding that normal people do take sabbaticals, and that it's not so uncommon. Beyond that, most of the info in the book is really targeted at people who may not have heard of this type of thing before. My feeling is that there are probably more modern, relevant books on this topic.
These case studies were probably my favorite part of the book. They included a banker learning Spanish in Guatemala, who ended up starting a homestay matching business; an Iowa farming family knowledge sharing in early 1990s Hungary; and a factory worker who hiked the Appalachian trail and decided to move to the country afterwards. While these all sounded like fulfilling trips, none of them quite fit the mold of what I'd want if I were to take a sabbatical.
One of the book's biggest flaws is that it's quite dated. Written in the 1990s, it captures that weird period where computers began connecting people somewhat but not enough to keep up with critical bills and the like while on the road. It includes suggestions like giving your banker some blank checks to pay emergency bills for you, which seems like a true anachronism: did such a high-touch personal service really ever exist?
My biggest issue with the book was the limited variety of ideas it presented. Taking time off to travel or backpack is a pretty basic use case (and in fact I've taken a gap year to do the same). Having heard about this book in Tim Ferriss' The Four Hour Workweek, I was hoping to be more inspired by stories of people building new real skills, asking hard questions and re-inventing themselves.
My biggest takeaway was probably just understanding that normal people do take sabbaticals, and that it's not so uncommon. Beyond that, most of the info in the book is really targeted at people who may not have heard of this type of thing before. My feeling is that there are probably more modern, relevant books on this topic.
July 31, 2017
This book offered valuable insights into the world of sabbaticals, including how to negotiate time off, how to plan time off, and how to use it to your advantage at your current job or for embarking on future careers.
January 22, 2022
This book will help get a person thinking about work/life possibilities. It was inspiring to read about people that have been able to pull off a long break from the usual work grind.
January 17, 2009
How can a book that helps you figure out how you can *really* take 6 months off of work not get my highest rating of 5 stars?! I just picked this book up yesterday and it is fabulously inspiring! The authors talk about the benefits of taking time off to recharge or relax, to learn something new or change careers, or to have an adventure. Most importantly, the authors provide many resources and ideas on how to make it happen. I think everyone should read this book!
August 4, 2009
Basic instructional book. Exactly what you would expect.
Quotes:
"The only real security I had was my own ability."
"Sometimes you just have to take a risk. You know, life is nothing but a bunch of doors, and if you sit there and stare at them, life kind of passes you by. You might as well walk through a couple of those doors."
"Those things that steal time, money, and energy away from your real priorities should be jettisoned from your life."
Quotes:
"The only real security I had was my own ability."
"Sometimes you just have to take a risk. You know, life is nothing but a bunch of doors, and if you sit there and stare at them, life kind of passes you by. You might as well walk through a couple of those doors."
"Those things that steal time, money, and energy away from your real priorities should be jettisoned from your life."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2016
I loved this book when it first came out. The idea of traveling, or doing something for six months and not having to work was fascinating to me. But clearly, in the last 20 years a lot has changed. Now people are able to work from home and still travel or figure out how to take an extended vacation. The resource list in the back is outdated now, but still gives you ideas of where to look today.
March 18, 2009
not as enjoyable of a read, or as philosophically fulfilling as other books in this category. a little bit outdated, but practical.
August 22, 2012
Interesting idea. However in my line of work not feasible. I may try someday if I ever change jobs
September 2, 2013
I read this when it came out in 1996, but was never able to implement anything in it. Might be good for anyone between jobs who needs to figure out what to do next.
February 9, 2016
Easy to read thinking about planning more time away from work
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