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Everything you need to know about Le Cordon Bleu's 'Summer Essentials' course

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 13:41:36 GMT

"It changed everything I thought I knew about cooking."

Full disclosure, I didn’t take this intensive, 3-week course at Le Cordon Bleu London . Instead, I asked my wife to go on behalf of Sabbaticals.com and share her experience. And yes, my friends have accused me of being shamelessly self-serving for dispatching her to the world’s most prestigious cooking institution! Fortunately, she’s passionate about cooking and jumped at the chance to sharpen her already well-honed skills.

Neither of us knew quite what to expect, as the 'Summer Essentials' course sits somewhere between the school’s more serious ‘Basic Cuisine’ certificate program lasting 7 weeks, and its more laid back short courses lasting anywhere from an afternoon to 5 days. Her student peers were also hard to pin down, ranging from college students (who also appeared to have been dispatched, in their case by parents) to mid-career professionals on work breaks.

Fast forward to course completion, and what was my wife’s impression?

“It changed everything I thought I knew about cooking.”

Now that’s a pretty bold statement! After all, she’s been cooking for over 20 years with a diverse portfolio of recipes. So what was it about the course that made it so impactful? It’s because Le Cordon Bleu focuses on teaching cooking fundamentals. Everything from knife skills and food preparation to baking principles and cuisine presentation. In short, you may find out that you’ve been doing some things ‘wrong’ your whole life, as was her case.

First and foremost, the course's format is extremely effective in teaching essential cooking techniques. There are chef demonstrations followed by hands-on experiences making classic French dishes in the school's test kitchens. There are also special sessions for wine and cheese, both of which my wife raved about. The end result is a newfound cooking confidence, leading to bold efforts like making homemade pasta, preparing classic French sauces and assembling fancy looking hors d'oeuvres.

Though a word to the wise - this course is not for the faint of heart! It involves 5 - 6 hours of focus and effort in the classroom and test kitchen every weekday for 3 weeks. The handful of perpetually hungover college students who joined my wife’s cohort did not always seem happy about that.

Drawing from my wife’s personal account for how the course progressed…

Week One: Humbling and Exhilarating

Walking into Le Cordon Bleu’s state-of-the-art teaching kitchens on Day 1 was both thrilling and terrifying. I didn’t really know what to expect, but knew it was going to be intense after sitting down at my “station” and flipping through the course curriculum. I really appreciated the branded apron they provided - sometimes you just need to look the part :-).

The first thing they taught us? Knife skills... All. Day. Long. And surprisingly, I really needed it! I thought I knew how to chop an onion. Turns out, I’ve been massacring vegetables for years. Under the watchful eyes of actual Le Cordon Bleu chefs, I learned the proper grip, the rocking motion, and suddenly I was in the groove. And to impress (annoy?) your friends, you can refer to your new knife techniques as brunoise, julienne, macedoine, ciseler, emincer, chiffonade, and hacher.

The dishes we tackled that first week were deceptively simple but taught us so much. That udon we made? I never realized how much technique goes into what seemed before like “noodles and broth.” The squid-ink pasta with seafood was a revelation – I’d always been intimidated by both squid and making pasta from scratch, but the instructors showed us how to make it in manageable steps.

Oh, and we had to fillet our own Dover sole on the last day of Week One. Well that was a new experience, as I usually buy prepared and packaged fish from our local supermarket. Now imagine an entire fish laying in front of you, with nothing but a knife and scissors to break it down with. Once you get over the initial shock, it was actually quite easy.

And can we talk about the special session on cheese? I consider myself a cheese lover, but I walked out of that evening session with a completely new appreciation for the craft, including its storied history. I’ll never look at a cheese board the same way again.

Week Two: Mind = Blown

If week one built our foundation, week two absolutely expanded our horizons. The plant-based section was eye-opening – and I say this as someone who’s not vegetarian. That grilled tempeh they taught us to make? Game changer. I’ve actually added it to my regular dinner rotation.

But the real showstopper was the Indian cuisine module. We had lived in Singapore for many years, so I knew what good Indian food was, though I had never attempted to make it myself. This course changed that. I learned there are multiple steps and a lot of spices involved, but the instructors made it feel achievable. The naan we made from scratch was so much better than anything I’d ever had from a restaurant.

The special wine lecture was another highlight – learning to pair wines with the dishes we were creating added a whole new dimension to the experience. And don’t get me started on the sous-vide techniques. I never thought I’d be the type of person to own a sous-vide machine, but here we are.

The sauce instruction was perhaps the most valuable of all. Béarnaise, Madeira jus, Mornay – these weren’t just fancy restaurant mysteries anymore. They were tools in my arsenal. The confidence that comes from nailing a perfect Béarnaise is hard to describe.

Week Three: From Student to Chef

By week three, something had shifted. We weren’t just following recipes anymore; we were understanding the 'why' behind each technique. The patisserie module pushed us into entirely new territory. I’d always been more of a savory cook, but making macarons from scratch and mastering pastry cream felt like unlocking a secret.

An added advantage of doing a summer course is of course the availability of amazing seasonal ingredients. The fruit we used for patisserie recipes was better than anything I'd seen at home (which is saying a lot, given local farmers markets!). Armed with such great supplies, I learned core French skills for shortcrust and puff pastry, classic cake methods, meringue and fancy presentation.

Speaking of which, I had never thought much about presentation before, I mean who cares? Well, Le Cordon Bleu does. The school places a strong emphasis on appearance in its culinary philosophy and curriculum, regarding it as a critical component of professional cooking and the dining experience. I get it now - the desserts we prepared were both delicious and beautiful (note the gold powder on the macarons!).

At the end of this week, the group cocktail buffet was the perfect finale. Working as a team to prepare everything from white gazpacho to summer pavlova felt like a real restaurant kitchen experience (but without the Gordon Ramsey drama). The energy was incredible – organized chaos at its finest. When we finally sat down to enjoy our creations and receive our certificates, I felt genuinely proud of how far we’d all come.

Final Thoughts

It’s been 2 months since I completed the course, and the changes in my cooking are dramatic. I’m faster, more confident, and willing to try new techniques I would never have attempted before. My knife skills alone have probably cut my prep time in half. I’ve made fresh pasta multiple times, successfully executed various sauces, and even attempted some of the more complex dishes we learned - my favorite continues to be sticky ribs.

But beyond the technical skills, there’s something deeper. Cooking has become meditative rather than stressful. I understand ingredients better, I can taste when something needs acid or salt or heat, and I’m not afraid to deviate from recipes anymore.

Lastly, I'm much more thoughtful about safety, whether that be always leaving a pot holder on hot pans or ensuring knife edges are face down as I move about the kitchen. Such habits are a credit to Le Cordon Bleu, and now part of my DNA.

In Summary...

Three weeks might seem like a big time commitment for a culinary arts course, but for someone with limited time availability, it can be the perfect break. Intensive enough to really learn, but not so long that it disrupts life completely. Though the course isn’t cheap, when you consider the techniques learned, the confidence gained, and the “aha!” moments experienced, it feels like incredible value that will continue to pay off for as long as you're near a kitchen.

If you’re on the fence about taking a culinary course, especially if you’re a home cook who feels like you’ve hit a plateau, we can’t recommend this course enough. The Le Cordon Bleu London instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about teaching. The small class sizes also mean you get real attention and feedback.

Sabbaticals.com provides unforgettable culinary arts experiences in London for people taking extended time off, including tuition at Le Cordon Bleu London, luxurious accommodation and local concierge services. Whether you're interested in the longer certificate programs or shorter courses like Summer Essentials, please contact us to plan your perfect sabbatical or work break!

The Best Golf Schools for Extended Learning Programs

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 20:45:38 GMT

Pinehurst Golf Academy in North Carolina takes the top spot for extended learning programs

Pinehurst Resort Clubhouse in Pinehurst, NC

I’ve been playing golf on and off my whole life. It was easier when I was still in school with so many vacations. Then life happened, starting with a job, then a wife and after that a family. I had some opportunities to play. In fact, I was even encouraged by my Korean employer to spend Saturdays on the course with my colleagues. But I had seen enough of them during the week, so why reconvene on a precious day off? Plus, the Korean version of the 19th hole was always a full-on experience. Long story short, my sporadic golf game has been stuck in time for years.

Fast forward to an unintended career break (my start-up had made a bet on travel insurance just when the pandemic hit), and I found myself with more time on my hands. I’m not sure what inspired me, maybe driving by a beautiful golf course, but I decided to dig out my clubs again.

After so many years of neglect, I knew I needed an industrial strength kickstart. The odd lesson here and there would never be enough. That’s when I discovered that some golf schools provide comprehensive, multi-day golf retreats, covering all the fundamentals (short game, long game, course strategy, mindset and fitness). So I started doing some research.

A former consultant, I may have taken things a little far, and ended up ranking the Top 10 golf schools for extended programs in the US. These schools and their programs are perfect for a sabbatical or career break when you can spare a few days or longer to work on your game, whether you’re getting back into it (like me), or looking to lower an already impressive handicap.

What makes a great extended program?

No surprise, the best extended programs are provided by the best golf schools, as determined by reputation, number and quality of instructors, and array of teaching facilities.

Then there’s school fit for an extended learning experience. For one, they will have well defined multi-day programs, typically lasting 1 to 4 days, with frequent dates and adequate availability. Of course, year-round warm weather with limited rain also helps. Lastly, other available entertainment activities are important, as one can’t spend all their time on the course!

Once the quality and fit of a school are considered, there is the total cost for both tuition and accommodation. Some resort-based schools may require you to stay in one of their hotels which ramps up costs. When there are no such requirements, there are more options including hotels, apartments and vacation stays which can be more cost effective.

So in summary, the criteria are…

Quality (the school’s reputation, instructors and facilities)
Fit (the school’s ability to offer extended, multi-day programs)
Cost (including tuition and accommodation)

The Top 10 golf schools for extended learning programs:

1. Pinehurst Golf Academy (Pinehurst, NC)

Taking the top slot is Pinehurst Golf Academy. Located in the “cradle of golf” for the US, this school has a long and storied history which you feel as you walk through its doors. It’s been featured on many leading golf school lists including Golf Digest and Links, consolidating its reputation as one of the best schools around. And though there are only 4 instructors, Pinehurst stands out for its focus on extended programs. Indeed, individual lessons are not even a focus! They provide ongoing weekday and weekend schools lasting 3 or 4 days, which have received high ratings. What’s more, the facilities are second to none, with 10 courses including top ranked No. 2 and No. 4. Lastly, the resort has many options outside of golf, including a spa, lake activities, pickleball, tennis and biking, along with nearby Village of Pinehurst for local flavor.

The only drawbacks of Pinehurst are program availability (one needs to book well in advance) and cost (its packages include accommodation in one of the resort’s 3 hotels). Having said that, if you’re looking for the best of the best for an extended stay program, Pinehurst is the ticket.

2. Butch Harmon School of Golf (Henderson, NV)

Butch Harmon is legendary in the golf world, having coached such champions as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Greg Norman. His teaching philosophy permeates his school, including tailored instruction (because “there is no one way to swing a golf club”) and identifying and fixing the fundamental “cancer” in every player’s swing that affects their game. Another thing we love about this school is its exceptional value, as costs can be lower than other leading schools. Similar to Pinehurst, there are attractive extended program packages every week that last 1 to 3 days. However, unlike Pinehurst, it’s much easier to find a spot. And the kicker - one stays in Las Vegas, which checks the box for non-golf entertainment whether you’re hitting the tables or catching a show at night.

Butch Harmon programs are provided at Rio Secco Golf Club, which is 15 - 20 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. Despite the amazing views across canyons and desert, one drawback is that the club has only 1 course. Still though, there are plenty of other great public courses nearby! Oh, and the website could use a makeover.

3. Jim McLean Golf School (Coral Gables, FL)

Another leading school fronted by a legendary instructor is the Jim Mclean Golf School. McLean has honed a proprietary and proven teaching system over the years to help players of all levels improve their swing power, consistency and efficiency. Indeed, McLean has always been innovative, pioneering the use of video and radar teaching aids. The Coral Gables world headquarters has 16 instructors, one of the highest we’ve seen, which leads to strong availability for 2 and 3 day courses that are offered weekly. The school is located in The Biltmore Miami Coral Gables, a beautiful resort with a range of facilities including its own golf course. Though one need not stay there to attend the school, opening up more accommodation options. Lastly, Miami provides all the entertainment one could ask for, including beaches, shopping and dining.

The only thing to watch out for is rain! Coral Gables gets almost 70 inches of it every year, more than any other school on this list. Though with 3 indoor hitting bays, a little bad weather will not disrupt the learning experience too much.

4. Leadbetter Golfzon Academy (ChampionsGate, FL)

David Leadbetter’s academy is globally recognized for developing top players and offers a holistic approach to instruction. Its blend of swing technique, mental game, and state-of-the-art technology appeals to golfers at every level, from beginners to aspiring professionals. Indeed, when Golfzon acquired the academy back in 2018, they introduced proprietary advanced golf simulator technologies. The academy also provides 2 and 3-day extended programs, delivered by a team of 11 instructors including Sean Hogan, who is on Golf Magazine’s Top 100 list. High-end facilities provide indoor and outdoor flexibility in case weather is not cooperating. The school is located in Reunion Resort, just southwest of Orlando, with 3 golf courses and many other entertainment options including the resort’s own 5-acre water park.

One downside for the academy may be its cost (technology doesn't come cheap!). When calculating a cost per hour for extended programs, the average tops our list for selected schools. Given the caliber of instruction though, many would say it’s justified.

Reunion Resort, home of Leadbetter Golfzon Academy in ChampionsGate, FL

5. Sea Pines Golf Learning Center (Hilton Head, SC)

Another resort with a leading golf school is Sea Pines, located on the beautiful coast of South Carolina. With cutting-edge technology, expert coaching (including Tim Cooke, a Golf Magazine Top 100 instructor), personalized instruction and other amenities, Sea Pines is a premier destination for any golfer seeking to elevate their game. In particular, the Learning Center offers the best value of any school on our list, with attractive costs and the option of staying outside the resort for its 2-day program that kicks-off every Monday. In addition, one can play the famous Harbour Town course, ranked #12 in Golf Magazine’s top 100 public courses for 2024-25. Lastly, when the clubs are resting, there are plenty of other things to do, including the beach, water sports, horseback riding, tennis and pickleball.

Where Sea Pines may lag other schools is in facilities and programs. With only 2 indoor hitting bays in a 2,400 square-foot learning center, it’s one of the smaller schools. Also, its extended program is capped at 2 days, which may be a little light for some, though plenty for others.

6. The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee (Greensboro, GA)

The Kingdom may not feature on many top golf school lists, but it should. First off, it’s a showpiece TaylorMade fitting facility, offering an elite experience typically reserved for the pros. In fact, few golf facilities in the country can match this school, which includes a 7,600 square-foot learning center, one of the best two-sided, multi-target ranges and 5 top-notch golf courses. Its range of 2-day programs typically has a 3:1 student-teacher ratio, fitness and video analysis, and covers every aspect of the game, both physical and mental. Similar to Sea Pines, the Kingdom is also attractively priced. Lastly, one can’t overlook the amazing location in a luxury lakefront community, with boating, fishing and shooting options if staying at the Ritz Carlton, though accommodation is flexible.

The only gripes we have about the Kingdom are its limited duration extended programs (2 days) and its somewhat off the beaten track location, a little over an hour east of Atlanta. Having said that, if you’re looking for a real escape, there are few better options.

National Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA

7. Sea Island Golf Performance Center (St Simons Island, GA)

The Sea Island Golf Performance Center is a highly-ranked, world-class golf training facility and part of the Sea Island Resort. It is designed to improve every aspect of your golf game, regardless of skill level - from complete beginners to PGA TOUR professionals. With 16 instructors who operate out of a 17,000 square-foot learning center, it’s also the largest school on our list. What’s more, 2 instructors (Justin Parsons and Gale Peterson) are recognized by Golf Magazine in its Top 100 list. The center boasts a multidisciplinary and individualized approach, offering programs that address the full swing, short game, putting, course management, physical fitness, sports psychology and club fitting. Lastly, Sea Island Resort has it all, beach, pools, tennis, shooting and horseback-riding delivered with Southern charm.

One drawback is that the school does not offer regularly scheduled extended programs. Rather programs typically lasting 1 - 3 days must be customized by request. On top of that, one must stay at the very high-end resort, which makes this school one of the most expensive on our list.

8. PGA Tour Performance Center (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)

The PGA Tour Performance Center is a stone’s throw away from the legendary TPC Sawgrass Stadium course (ranked #8 in the US by Golf Magazine, famous for its 17th hole putting green almost entirely surrounded by water). Housed in a state-of-the-art, 7,680 square-foot building, the school provides personalized instruction with advanced swing analysis, club fitting, fitness training, and strategic playing advice - all delivered by top-tier instructors, including Todd Anderson and Mike Shannon who are both rated Top 100. Walking around the clubhouse, with its long history and memorabilia hosting The Players Championship, one is inspired by golf’s iconic personalities. Accommodation is flexible, with many options in this beautiful beach community just outside of Jacksonville, including the well regarded Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.

Unfortunately, this school does not provide regularly scheduled programs, in which case custom 1 to 3 day programs must be arranged. In addition, costs can be on the higher side, though with greater accommodation flexibility they will be lower than Sea Island.

9. Pebble Beach Golf Academy (Pebble Beach, CA)

The Pebble Beach Golf Academy is a highly ranked learning center located on California’s Monterey Peninsula within the famed Pebble Beach Resorts, roughly 2 hours south of San Francisco. It offers a comprehensive and technologically advanced environment designed for golfers of all abilities, including a 40,000 square-foot short game complex that recreates real conditions on the resort’s courses. Our only school on the west coast to make the list, an added bonus is proximity to Golf Magazine’s #1 ranked Pebble Beach and #23 Spyglass Hill golf courses that feature breathtaking coastline views. Add year-round cool weather with little rain, and golf conditions can be ideal. Outside of golf, there are scenic sights, hiking trails and beaches nearby. And if staying at the resort, there’s a spa, fitness center and tennis facility.

Pebble Beach does not offer regularly scheduled extended programs apart from a 1-day intensive course, so custom programs are needed, typically lasting 2 to 3 days. In addition, costs can be on the high side compared to other schools, though accommodation is flexible.

Iconic 7th Hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links, CA

10. Mike Bender Golf Academy (Lake Mary, FL)

The Mike Bender Golf Academy is a well regarded learning center located just north of Orlando. It was founded by Mike Bender, who has been recognized as a Top 100 instructor by Golf Magazine since 1996 and has coached major champions, most notably Zach Johnson from a young age. Bender is the originator of specialized training tools and practice setups, such as the renowned Wedge Range and custom practice stations. The academy has 4 instructors, and is housed in a 5,000 square-foot facility within Magnolia Plantation Golf Club. This intimate setting along with a strong track record of developing collegiate and professional players make it ideal for those with serious aspirations. When you add the school’s commitment to personal and athletic development for golfers at every stage, it’s no wonder it’s in constant demand.

Like other schools, it does not offer regularly scheduled extended programs, and instead relies on custom design on an ad hoc basis. Another drawback is that there is no dedicated golf course, rather students have access to nearby courses.

In Summary...

These Top 10 schools are best positioned to provide a first-rate extended golf learning experience if you’re serious about sharpening your skills. Not only do they bring stellar reputations, instruction and facilities, but they also provide 1 to 4 day comprehensive programs for anybody considering a golf sabbatical, career break or vacation. What’s more, they’re in beautiful settings with plenty of activities to enjoy outside of golf. One thing is for sure, the new skills and memories you take home with you will last a lifetime!

I hope you found this article helpful. For what it’s worth, I used a data-driven approach to score each school across 12 metrics for quality, fit and cost. Of course, if there’s anything I can do to explain better or help you in your exploration process, please contact me.

Sabbaticals.com provides a Golf Experience Package in the Southeast lasting anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, and involving one or multiple schools. We would be happy to chat more to design your perfect itinerary together!

Turning Career Gaps Into Growth: How to Make the Most of Being Between Jobs

Sun, 11 May 2025 17:49:42 GMT

The secret is to have a posi tive mindset, set personal goals, do part-time projects and allocate time for your passions.

There’s that moment when you’re asked what you do, and you respond “Right now I’m in between jobs”. An awkward silence follows, until you add “it’s really not that bad, I can do whatever I want and nobody owns me”, just to annoy the person who asked, who is invariably owned by their employer. Joking aside, being in between jobs really can be an incredible opportunity.

I’ve been in between jobs on 5 occasions. I wish I could say I “nailed it” every time. Unfortunately, that’s not exactly what happened. Though I do think I got better at it each time, using the break more productively while searching for my next role.

The reason I have this experience is because I have a bad habit of leaving a job before I have another one lined up. There's a moment when I just know it's time to go. Of course, in some cases I did go straight to the next job without a break, which was good financially. But I quickly learned that I needed time off to recover, rejuvenate and consider what’s next.

If you use one of the AI engines to get advice on how to spend time while in between jobs, it will offer practical guidelines. Here’s a table based on a Perplexity search for what to do:

I wouldn’t disagree with any of these things. Though I’d prefer something more succinct, which is why I developed my own “Between Jobs Playbook”. After successive trial and error, I’ve distilled this playbook down to 4 components. Please forgive me, but as a former marketer, I still think in terms of easy to remember acronyms, in this case “The 4 Ps” ��.

Speak with us to learn more

The 4Ps of a "Between Jobs Playbook"

Positive Mindset

Sure, the first month or so of being unemployed can be kind of fun. You can sleep late, travel, watch Netflix and generally laze about. But when that phase evaporates, the pressure to find a new job quickly settles in. In my case, I felt I had lost my personal identity, as I had always associated who I am with what I do. That led to feeling depressed and empty.

Then, on the third round of being in between jobs, something changed. I looked back on the first two rounds and wished I had not stressed so much, because in both cases I went on to find a job I loved, putting my career back on track. That’s when I realized that with the right mindset, this time off was a rare opportunity. I focused on 3 things:

Revisiting life and career goals: I had done a career statement in school many years before about what I wanted to achieve. Not surprisingly, some things had changed. I also came across some fundamental life and career questions . Between the two of them, I developed an updated statement that would help direct my next career move.

Improving physical and mental wellness: This one was pretty straightforward, involving exercising three times a week, something I could never manage while working. It didn’t take that long to get back into shape, which can be a major confidence booster. Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment you have after a good workout.

Developing personally or professionally: As much as I like the idea of lifelong learning, I never seemed to have much time for it outside of work. Well, that also changed. I got a MasterClass subscription (looking back, edX and Coursera would have been free), and watched lessons on everything from wine and music to leadership and negotiation to get inspired.

In short, keeping a positive mindset is the most critical element for this transitory period. Everything else is built on this foundation. And as I mentioned before, everything will work out, it always does.

Personal Goals

I’m really big on setting annual personal goals, a habit influenced by my father who would constantly harass me about what my annual goals were. So when I was first in between jobs, my only goal was to find a new job. Shocking, right? I would spend mornings “working” which meant trolling LinkedIn jobs, researching companies and endlessly tweaking my search strategy. I dreaded the afternoons, because I never knew what to do with my time.

Later on, I realized that setting short-term personal goals while in between jobs could be a game changer. They accomplished three things:

Staying busy: Personal goals gave me purpose, combining personal and professional areas. For example, every week I would catch up with 2 friends and have 2 networking calls. I also took golf lessons to lower my handicap (that didn’t go so well). By staying busy I avoided self-doubt and wasting time.

Maintaining confidence: I also found that my confidence grew as I made some quick wins against my personal goals. Because having a positive mindset is the single most important thing for this journey, anything that works to that end is gold.

Developing new skills: Some of my goals were about learning new skills. While golf was harder than I expected, I continue to play today thanks to the fundamentals I learned while in between jobs. I also studied Italian with Berlitz, something on my bucket list.

I feel so strongly about personal goals for career breaks that I started a company, Sabbaticals.com , to provide goal-oriented sabbaticals. Not to get too salesy, but the travel experiences we offer all lead to tangible achievements in short time frames, like professional certificates for wine, cooking or art history. Pro tip: Always write down your goals! There's something about writing them down that leads to greater commitment (my father would be proud).

Part-time Projects

During a particularly long period of being in between jobs, I became concerned about my finances. Around that time, I was contacted by a previous employer to help on a short-term project. The timing was perfect (and why didn’t I think of doing short-term projects before!?). This insight went straight into the “Between Jobs Playbook”.

What’s more, the project was super interesting. It involved developing a go-to-market strategy for an entirely new mobile telecom concept. Though more importantly, this project gave me three key benefits:

Staying engaged: Part-time projects keep you engaged, challenged and sharp. You get to wear some old skill hats as well as put on some new skill ones. I also loved that I was going to work again and solving problems, even if it was only for a limited period.

Networking power: You’ve heard it before, it’s easier to get a new job when you have an existing job. While doing this part-time project, I was still interviewing with companies, which made me a more attractive candidate (in the application sense).

Earning income: Yes, that was the original point. Short-term projects may not always pay as well as a full-time role, but they certainly help. And I’d much rather focus on bringing money in than cutting things to avoid money going out.

Surprisingly, people who are available for short-term projects are much in demand. My project was too exploratory for existing resources, hence the need for someone external. Previous employers are a great fit because you’re a known quantity and already know the industry.

Passion Pursuit

This point is probably the hardest to accept. It’s natural to feel guilty about doing the things you love when you’re supposed to be finding a new job. Yet it’s the one thing I reflect on with every passing in between jobs experience: I wish I had enjoyed myself more, instead of constantly stressing. Making time to pursue your passions is important for several reasons:

Remaining positive: Allocating time to your passions should bring you happiness, which in turn leads to positivity. You’ll be busy soon enough with a new job, so let go of the guilt and take advantage of this rare time off.

Self reflecting: I find the best time to think about what I want out of life and career is not when I’m sitting in front of a screen. It’s when I’m outside doing something like exercising. That’s when your mind is most open to fresh and creative ideas.

Living life: After many years of grinding at work, everybody deserves an extended break, no matter how it comes about. The important thing is to recognize this time as a temporary gift, and take full advantage of it. You'll be back in the trenches soon enough.

I'm not sure about you, but when I start a new job, I tend to sacrifice my hobbies all too quickly. I'm too worried about "the first 100 days" and not screwing up. Yet it’s my hobbies that give me so much joy out of life. It’s puzzling why that happens. I eventually learned to never feel guilty about doing what I loved.

In Summary...

The “Between Jobs Playbook” is about having a positive mindset, setting personal goals, finding part-time projects and pursuing your passions without guilt. And yes, it’s my last ditch effort to compel you to remember the 4 Ps :-).

While this playbook may not be for everybody, I hope some elements strike a chord. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences while being in between jobs. Some of the best memories I have come from these periods. For those who find themselves in the same situation, I hope you too are able to have amazing experiences to remember before starting your next gig!

If you’re interested in speaking more about being in between jobs, contact us to learn how Sabbaticals.com can help

Everything You Need to Know About How to Design Your Sabbatical Travel

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:58:36 GMT

Planning your sabbatical around travel has personal and professional benefits

My first real job was in London, which for an American from the Southern United States made a big impression. Hearing different languages in the office and on the streets was new to me. What’s more, with the advent of budget travel it was easy to take weekend trips to Europe. Suddenly, the world felt a lot smaller.

For lunch, I would follow the local habit of grabbing a sandwich, pack of crisps and candy bar. Then I would take this bounty to the mail room, where there was a large map of the world on the wall. I’d spend the next half hour staring at this map, transfixed by the possibilities and plotting my future travel to all corners of the globe. It helped that I had 6 weeks of vacation ��.

Over the course of my career, I learned the best travel opportunities came when I was “in between jobs” (you see, I have this bad habit of leaving a job without having a new one lined up). That’s when I could take longer and more ambitious journeys without having to worry about constant work responsibilities.

Longer travel periods are game changing. That’s when you can justify staying in an authentic house or apartment as opposed to an impersonal hotel. By living in a real neighborhood, you gain a true sense of the local culture, from the neighbors you interact with, the stores you shop in and ultimately what you choose to do while there.

Of course, finding the time for such journeys is never easy. The good news is that more companies are starting to introduce sabbatical policies for extended leave. WorldatWork’s 2022 survey found that 15% of 455 employers offered sabbatical leave, with another 12% considering implementing such a policy within two years. Though sabbatical duration varies, it’s usually for 1 or 2 months, more than enough time to satisfy those longheld travel aspirations.

If you need a justification, research shows that taking a sabbatical from work to travel offers many benefits, both personal and professional:

Mental and Physical Recharge: A sabbatical provides a meaningful break from work, allowing you to recharge, recover from burnout, and return to work refreshed.

Digital Detox: Traveling often means disconnecting from the constant buzz of smartphones and work notifications, enabling deep reflection and mental clarity.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Being in new environments, especially solo travel, fosters self-awareness. It gives time to reflect on life direction and personal priorities.

Expanding Social and Professional Networks: Travel exposes you to diverse people from various backgrounds and industries, leading to networking opportunities and friendships.

Learning and Skill Development: Sabbaticals can be used to pursue new skills, hobbies, or personal projects, such as learning how to cook or improving your golf game.

Inspiration and Creativity: Stepping away from routine helps stimulate creativity and generate new ideas, which can benefit both you and your employer upon return.

Gratitude and Perspective: Experiencing different cultures and lifestyles can foster gratitude and a fresh perspective on life, helping to appreciate the little things.

Speak with us to learn more.

It’s true that sabbatical travel is a powerful way to reset, grow, and return to life and work with greater energy, insight, and motivation. But where do you begin? Here are some basic guidelines to follow, based on sabbatical pioneers who have paved the way before:

Clarify Your Purpose and Goals

Define why you want to take a sabbatical. Is it for rest, personal growth, volunteering, or pursuing a longheld passion? And it’s also ok to have multiple aims, both structured and unstructured. Your purpose will shape all other decisions. You may even want to consider working with a sabbatical coach, someone who has helped many others like yourself navigate through this personal journey.

Decide on Activities and Destinations

Make a long list of things you’d love to do and places you’d love to visit. Consider combining activities for a richer experience. Research destinations, optimal seasons, and any special requirements (visas, vaccinations, etc.). In my case, I knew I wanted to study wine, and ended up deciding on London as the best destination for that ( I explain why in another blog! ).

Set the Timeframe

Determine how much time you can realistically take off, considering your work, family, and financial commitments. If you’re fortunate enough to work for a company with a sabbatical program, there will likely be clear policies in place. Having said that, many people have negotiated sabbatical leave with their employers who don’t yet have a program, sometimes combining paid and unpaid leave, along with any unused vacation days.

Budget and Financial Planning

Estimate the total cost of your sabbatical, including travel, accommodation, tuition, insurance, daily expenses, and any ongoing obligations at home. Consider ways to save: off-peak seasons, vacation rentals instead of hotels and home cooked meals instead of restaurants. And a pro tip, set up an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.

Prepare Your Work and Home Life

Sell your sabbatical to your manager, including the expected outcome: you’ll return re-energized and with fresh perspectives. Arrange coverage for your work responsibilities, and communicate your plans early with your employer, team, and family. The more notice, the smoother the transition. It’s also worthwhile to plan your “re-integration” back into work upon your return, and what that would look like.

Plan the Details

Book major travel and accommodation in advance, especially for the first leg of your trip. Leave room for flexibility and unstructured time, which is key to a restorative sabbatical. Consider using a travel agent for complex itineraries that may evolve during the course of your sabbatical. In short, the last thing you want is the stress of travel planning once your sabbatical has begun!

Disconnect and Downsize

Prepare to unplug: set boundaries for digital communication, and consider what you can leave behind physically and mentally. Downsize your commitments to reduce stress while away. This one is hugely important - your company should ensure you’re truly “off” during your sabbatical, including managing expectations with all key stakeholders accordingly.

Make It Meaningful and Fun

Include activities that are both fun and meaningful to you. Don’t just do what you think you “should” do - prioritize what brings you joy and fulfillment. Plan for personal growth, whether through new experiences, learning, or reflection time. Again, a sabbatical coach can provide proven tools and dialogue to help this process.

Document and Reflect

Keep a journal, blog, or photo diary to capture your experiences and insights. Reflect on your goals and progress throughout the sabbatical. I’m always amazed at how differently I thought about my role and career at the end of an extended break. I think our brains can only develop these perspectives when given the space to do so.

In Summary...

For many, being able to take a travel sabbatical is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And kudos to your employer for having the foresight to invest in such a program. But even if your employer is in the “considering a policy” stage, or you too are “in between jobs”, there are always creative solutions for extended leave.

Have another look at that world map (sandwich not required!), and dream about where you would go and what you would do if you had 4+ weeks to yourself. I’m sure it will be amazing ��.

If you’re interested in a travel sabbatical, contact us to learn how Sabbaticals.com can help.

The Case for Studying Wine in London - All You Need to Know to Become a Wine Expert

Thu, 01 May 2025 01:04:21 GMT

London is a thriving wine capital, outpacing traditional stalwarts like France and the US

Choosing where to study wine is a key decision for anyone passionate about the world of wine, whether for personal enrichment or professional advancement. While France and the US are known respectively for their wine traditions and educational institutions, London stands out as a truly exceptional destination.

Here’s why taking a wine course in London could be the best decision for your personal wine education journey.

A Global Wine Capital

London is a world hub for the wine trade, attracting professionals and enthusiasts from every continent. This cosmopolitan environment means students are exposed to a diverse range of perspectives, learning opportunities and wine styles that simply can't be matched elsewhere.

Indeed, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), based in London, is widely regarded as the de facto leader in wine qualifications globally. London is also home to Britain’s oldest wine merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR), which was established in 1698 and continues to specialize in fine wine sales from the world’s greatest producers.

Packed Schedule of Wine Events

London is an epicenter for wine events, offering an impressive array of tastings, master classes, dinners and industry gatherings year-round. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned professional, the city’s active scene ensures there’s always something exciting happening every day of the week. In particular, WSET, BBR, The London Wine Academy and West London Wine School provide frequent wine events.

As an example, while planning an upcoming trip to London this summer, I had to choose between 3 different wine events all taking place the same night: Central and Southern Spain (WSET), Champagne vs English Sparking Blind Tasting Dinner (BBR) and Bordeaux, Rhone and South France (West London Wine School).

Unrivaled Access to World-Class Educators

London’s leading wine schools, such as WSET School London and The London Wine Academy, are staffed by educators who are not only highly qualified - many holding the prestigious WSET Level 4 Diploma or even the title of Master of Wine - but also deeply passionate and engaging in their teaching approach. This level of expertise ensures that students receive top-tier education in both theory and tasting.

Exceptional Tasting Opportunities

Unlike other international schools that focus primarily on wines in their region, London’s wine courses provide access to an extraordinary breadth of tasting samples. Students can expect to taste everything from household names to rare, outstanding bottles from every corner of the wine world. This global approach is invaluable for building a comprehensive palate and understanding of international wine styles.

I recently earned my Level 3 qualification from WSET School London, which involved tasting 81 wines in 1 week! We would cover a particular wine region, then immediately jump into tastings to connect what we had learned to our palates. I’ve taken online wine courses also, but nothing compares to the experience of in person learning.

Flexible, Contemporary Learning

London wine schools are renowned for their flexible study options, catering to busy professionals as well as those seeking intensive programs while on a work sabbatical. Whether you prefer evening, weekend, or weekday, there’s a format to suit your schedule. The adaptability of London’s wine education scene is unmatched, making it accessible and convenient for all lifestyles and learning objectives.

In fact, it’s possible to attain WSET Levels 1, 2 and 3 within 1 month if you’re on a tight schedule. These qualifications will build a strong foundation of wine knowledge to last a lifetime. Please find more details here

Innovative and Enjoyable Learning Environment

Institutions like The London Wine Academy and West London Wine School pride themselves on making wine education enjoyable, approachable, and inspiring. The teaching style is contemporary, friendly, and designed to help students gain confidence in their wine knowledge - without any intimidation or “wine snobbery.” Reviews consistently highlight the supportive, fun, and interactive atmosphere.

Emerging Viticulture Industry

Last but not least, England’s domestic wine production industry has experienced rapid growth and increasing international recognition in recent years, driven by climate change, investment, and innovation in winemaking techniques. It’s now possible to complement wine study in London with nearby vineyard visits to understand the production process firsthand. Of course, given its proximity to Europe, it’s also easy to arrange short trips to the leading wine regions of France, Italy and Spain.

Comparing Wine Study in London to France and US

In Summary

Whether you’re aiming for a career in wine or simply want to deepen your technical understanding, London’s wine schools provide the perfect launchpad - often outpacing their counterparts in France and the US in terms of diversity, accessibility, and international reach. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of wine, strengthen your expertise, and taste the best the world has to offer, London is the place to be.

Find out more about Sabbaticals.com wine study packages and programs in London

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