The 6-Minute Sabbatical: Embrace Ease and Take a Break

Nothing transforms Black women’s lives like a sabbatical.

Hello Beautiful People!

If you’re a Black woman who dreams of taking a career break, a sabbatical, or just some time off work for weeks, months, or even years, but you think it’s out of reach due to financial reasons or fear, this newsletter is for you. 

Let’s take 6 minutes to explore how women in our community make sabbaticals a reality and why and how you can too.

Also, money shouldn’t be the reason anyone doesn’t take a break. So we send the profits from this newsletter to Black women so that they can take their own sabbatical. 

Who Am I?

I’m Stephanie Perry, a house sitter currently enjoying a lovely stay in San Jose, Costa Rica. I’m the creator of House Sitter School and co-creator of Exodus Summit. My mission is to help Black women take sabbaticals, bop around the world as nomads, or move abroad, all while embracing ease. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, make sure to stay connected!

Welcome to Our Community!

Whether you’re reading this as it’s hot off the press or catching up later, you’re part of a community that values rest, ease, and living life on your terms. Today, we’re diving into how Black women can take significant time away from work and why it’s not only possible but necessary.

Why Sabbaticals Are Necessary

Sabbaticals offer a crucial break from the relentless grind that many of us find ourselves in. They are essential for:

1. Mental Health: Stepping away from the daily stressors of work can significantly improve your mental health, giving you the space to breathe, reflect, and reset.

2. Self-Discovery: Time off allows you to explore who you are beyond your job. What are your passions? What truly makes you happy?

3. Physical Health: Chronic stress from overworking is killing Black women. A sabbatical can be a time for healing and rejuvenation.

4. Career Clarity: Sometimes, stepping away from work can bring clarity and new perspectives about your career path. It’s a chance to reassess and pivot if needed. Or never go back to work at all. (I’m down with that.)

How We Make Sabbaticals Accessible

1. House Sitting: Imagine staying in beautiful homes around the world for free by caring for someone’s house and pets while they’re away. Right now, I’m in a gorgeous house in Costa Rica with a pool, and I’m not paying a cent for accommodation. House sitting can be your gateway to freedom, whether for a short stay or several months.

2. Exodus Summit: This is a virtual event and vibrant community of 16,000 Black women supporting each other in taking career breaks, moving abroad, or becoming nomads. Our theme for 2024 is “Get Out Before the Next Inauguration,” focusing on moving abroad before the next presidential term. Join us for resources, support, and meetups around the world.

3. Making Money Online: I teach Black women how to start and grow a YouTube channel, and how to connect it to a business. My Get Found on YouTube Master Class and YouTube Success Challenge are perfect starting points. If you're already in business and need to get in front of the right people, check out my upcoming workshops.

4. Vaycarian Sabbatical Fund: Our community raises money to send Black women on sabbaticals. We’ve already funded a few women, including artist Maisha Francis and creator Alicia Renise, with $25,000 each for their sabbaticals. You can contribute through one-time donations, joining our Patreon, or buying merch.

5. Job Detox Book: My upcoming book, "Job Detox: A Framework for Black Women to Stop Striving and Get Free," will be available this summer. It’s a comprehensive guide on how to de-center work in your life and embrace a more ease-filled existence.

6. Coaching Programs: Roshida Dowe’s From Burnout to Bliss coaching program offers guidance, community, and resources for Black women planning sabbaticals or moves abroad. Seeking support and coaching can be a game-changer in navigating this journey.

Take the Leap!

Sabbaticals are not just for the rich. They’re for us too. We can create pathways to rest, ease, and freedom. Whether it’s house sitting, joining a supportive community, making money online, or getting coaching, there are accessible ways to take that much-needed break.

Thank you for joining me today. Hit the button to share this newsletter, and dive into one of these resources to start your sabbatical journey. Let’s make rest and ease a priority in our lives. You deserve it!

I’m excited to have you on this journey. Welcome to the community, and here’s to your first step towards a more rested, fulfilled life.

With love and ease,