I’ve often said that blogging and social media saved my life. It literally did. I “found myself” here. A sense of community and belonging. The creative space I’d been craving for many years. Meaningful connections and something to be passionate about. But somewhere along the way, I got lost again. The phrase “in too deep” comes to mind.
I began to doubt, second guess, and lose sight of my purpose as a blogger and influencer. I lost sight of myself. I didn’t like how that felt or how it was being translated publicly. I felt like a failure. A fraud. Things needed to change. This was not something that a new blog face-lift could cure. This required a full system overhaul…starting from within. Social media is vital to my existence and a source of constant support, but it was time to shut off the machines to see if I could breathe on my own.
On October 27, 2011 (my 39th birthday), I started a Digital Sabbatical. I went “off-the-grid” for 30 days. No blogging (posting or reading), no engaging on social sites, and no surfing the web. All writing was done in my paper journal. I unsubscribed to 90% of digital newsletters, daily digests, and RSS feeds. I checked email once or twice per day and only responded to urgent, time-sensitive messages. I removed most of the apps I used from my phone and computer desktop.
Crazy right? Well, I didn’t just wake up one morning and say, “You know what, I’m going off the grid for a month! See ya!” I thoroughly thought this through. The time between casually entertaining the idea to when I actually “unplugged” was about three weeks. If you are considering some significant time off, here are some things to ponder:
Planning and Surviving Your Digital Sabbatical
1 – Why are you doing this? Do you just need a mental break? Have you lost your passion or are you just “lost”? This is not something to go lightly into. For some, just thinking of “going dark” for even an hour gives you the chills. You need to be ready.
2 – Hiatus or Sabbatical? A hiatus is merely a break from something (for however long) and then you resume the same activity. Kind of like a vacation. A sabbatical is a break too, but the intent is to do something to change or broaden your horizons while you’re away. You may go back to what you were originally doing but differently or in a different “place.” Digitally speaking, decide if you’re just taking a breather or if you intend to do a full (re)evaluation and/or upgrade.
3 – Define the terms. No two sabbaticals are alike. You define the terms. You decide how long you’ll be gone. You decide how far off the grid you’re going. Others around you may have their own definition what a digital sabbatical is. Don’t let it affect what you do. Your hiatus, sabbatical, or whatever you choose to call it is your own.
4 – Be clear about your intentions. Take tips 1-3 and make an “agreement” with yourself. State what your intentions are, the duration, what you will do, and what you won’t do. Write them down. Be honest and be specific. Since the terms are yours, they are also yours to change (even in mid-sabbatical) if need be.
5 – Do the work. Honor your commitment to yourself and do what’s required to achieve the desired end result.
6 – Get support. Pulling the plug can be intense. Just like a recovering alcoholic needs a sponsor, you’ll occasionally need a friend. Make sure it is someone who will respect your sabbatical terms and will encourage you not to stray from your path.
7 – Don’t worry. Easier said than done, I know. You’ll stress out about your followers, your stats, your Klout score, and countless other things along the way. If you are serious about your intentions, you stick to your plan, and you do the work, you’ll find there is absolutely no need to worry about any of that. The things that need to change will…and for the better. The things the stay the same remain because they were meant to be.
What I’ve Learned
I’ve learned a lot. Too much to tell here, but to sum it up in one sentence: “Put my oxygen mask on first.” Just like in real life, I can’t be everywhere and I can’t be everything to everybody. Social media makes it very easy to think I can. But honestly, if it were really possible, I wouldn’t have written this post. This was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself personally and professionally. I (re)discovered myself and what I truly want to give and receive from the digital space. Now, the real journey begins as I put it into practice.
Resources For Your Journey
Digital Warriorship by Gwen Bell – This is where I got my start.
My sabbatical journey eBook – Yes, I’ve turned that paper journal into something I hope will inspire others. It will be available for download in January 2012. Please contact me for more information.
Photo © Aliaksandr Zabudzko – Fotolia.com
Related posts:
Christie Glascoe Crowder
13 Responses to Going “Off the Grid” – Planning (and Surviving) a Digital Sabbatical
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Thanks for sharing your steps to a successful sabbatical. Maybe I’ll take it an apply it to some part of my life when needed. I’ll be sure to refer back to this for some guidance.
Christie, I think it’s great that you did this! I have been working online for over 10 years and can’t think of a stretch of even 3 days that I’ve taken completely off. My situation is a little different maybe, in that AtlantaMoms.com is a 10 year old parenting publication and I get phone calls by the dozens and emails by the hundreds (most bloggers experience this, right?) by the day just for Atlanta Moms™. I can’t imagine taking one month off from AtlantaMoms.com. TheMommyInsider.com, maybe.
I love both of my sites but I will always love my family more and I know that at some point I will need to take a vacation and not bring the computer and not port my business # to my cell, not necessarily a sabbatical, from the sites but a vacation from work. Thanks for the great insight Christie!
Wow, Alicia! You certainly do have a lot going on so I can understand the need and the resistance to do this. You will figure out the best way to do it that works for you, your work, and your family…I just know it! Thanks for your kind words
Good for you, Chequetta! This is definitely NOT just for bloggers…it’s for ANYONE!
I am planning a sabbatical. Didn’t realize that was what I’d been thinking about until this article. I realize I “need” to do this for myself. I’m glad I will have help and that I don’t have to JUMP into it. Great post.
Thanks, Nan! Glad this was helpful
Da Dum. Da Dum. Da Dum da dum da dum! Aaand to the sound of Jaws, I am preparing to take My sabbatical January 1st. You know what? I have clammy hands and cold feet, nervous stomach and … YIKES. But I am slowly unsubscribing from blogs and auto emails. I am as prepared as I am going to be. It’s been 2 weeks 2 days since I read this and has taken me that long to decide I really WANT to do this. I’m nervously excited because I believe it is going to change my life. May I reference your blog post?
That’s awesome! Darn, I wish my book was ready
In a few weeks, though. The nervousness will subside and you will start to feel “free.” You may absolutely reference this post! I’d be honored 
I am so glad your sabbatical had the effect you had hoped Christie! I could use one myself, for sure. I will definitely be offline a good bit over the next 3 weeks, but I am also preparing a relaunch and rebrand, so there will be some work going on behind the scenes!
I’m so glad, Bernice! I can’t wait to see your new work!
Love this article. What an inspiration you are! Can’t wait to read the ebook! Smiles!
I’ve read about Gwen Bell’s journey with this and now I’m freshly inspired by you. Definitely considering something like this before my next birthday.
[...] Christie Crowder is an Associate Editor at Six String Theories. She took a 30 day digital sabbatical and survived (read about it here). [...]