It has given me great returns and opportunities for growth.
Whenever I take time off from work, I often come up with ideas that are super impactful for me.
In a year, I usually take 1 month-long break and another 1-2 breaks of 2-3 weeks each.
I spend this time having fun overall, just being curious and exploring stuff unrelated to work.
FYI, I do not stop myself from working when I am inspired to work on an idea that I come up with during this time.
This allows me to put an idea to use instantly.
It works well because ideas have an expiry date and the best time to act on them is when you come up with them.
One of my most significant growth spurts came from a year-long sabbatical I took a few years back.
I used this sabbatical to travel, read, have fun, learn and meet new people. And I came out of it enriched, recharged, and took on the new opportunities that came my way.
A one-year sabbatical may not be for everyone, but a shorter break to recharge and feed your curiosities is worth taking for most people.
Your mileage may vary.