“The Microbiology Sabbatical”

I am looking to take a sabbatical from work next year and I am currently trying to work out what shape or form such a break might take…

From a microbiological point of view, I am keen to either do locum work in, or observe a few other clinical microbiology laboratories. We always get lulled into thinking “our way is the only way” in the microbiology laboratory, which is clearly not the case. I want to experience other Kiestra TLAs to ascertain what they do differently and whether further improvements and efficiencies can be made. I am also keen to visit  a few other molecular departments to see how to maximise clinical impact from new molecular technology.

Needless to say a good proportion of my sabbatical will be nothing to do with microbiology! I have always wanted to do an intensive French language course at the Sorbonne University in Paris. I will make sure that is part of my sabbatical programme.

I am also keen to do some travelling. I have never visited Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc. before, so I foresee another (mad) road trip for the family coming up!

I am not sure how much time it will take me to fit all the above in, probably 3 months minimum. I will need to start saving hard!

I suspect I am the type of person that will be “forced” to take a sabbatical from work every few years. For the things I want to do in my life, a few weeks holiday a year doesn’t quite cut it.

Employers are becoming more and more amenable to sabbaticals these days. As well as saving on your wages for a while, they know they are likely to get a rejuvenated and refreshed employee back in return.

Win, win…

Day to day work in the clinical microbiology laboratory can be fairly monotonous and dull. Arriving at the same bench or office space day after day, month after month, year after year, can slowly but surely grind you down. Everyone should at least consider a sabbatical in order to renew themselves. The duration obviously depends on what you can afford and what you plan to do.

Don’t assume you have to work 10 or 20 years in the one place in order to “earn” a sabbatical. This is nonsense. Also don’t think that your sabbatical needs to be microbiological in nature. In fact it might even be better if it isn’t…

Are you thinking of taking a sabbatical?

If not, why not? You only live once.

Can’t afford it? I bet you can if you put your mind to it.

Scared to ask for one? Don’t be, you may well find yourself pleasantly surprised…

Michael

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