Clarity Quest: How to Take a Sabbatical Without Taking More Than a Week Off

I came across this book by sheer coincidence 6.5 weeks before I was about to leave a job; the company was closing. I had no idea what to do next, hadn't planned ahead financially, and picking up the book seemed like providence. I only hoped that it was realistic enough to follow.I was truly impressed at the plain language of the book; most self-help books seem to need to coin their own phrases and have you learn their 'lingo'. Pam's book was written as if she's speaking to you, and she basically gives you homework assignments and steps to follow which slowly reveal the answers you are looking for.I did the finance chapter first; it was weighing on my mind the most, and then followed the steps as closely as possible. All of the goals are attainable, they don't make you feel like you're displacing other important aspects of your life.After 6 weeks, I was ready to redirect myself toward identifying what I wanted. My sabbatical was nine days in the Florida Keys; I rented a truck for $125, took a tent, and camped out each night under the stars, with my journal and sketchbook nearby. I don't think I spent over $500 for the whole trip. I made friends with another person also trying to find their way, and we both worked through some of the 'what to do next' scenarios.I came back, packed my things, moved to a new city, and scored a new job which paid well. I was relaxed and able to concentrate on the important decisions during this process.I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is feeling a bit unplugged and who needs a gentle hand in getting closer to their goals. Sometimes you need a push, and Pam does it well.

In this relatively compact volume, Pam helps us turn down the volume of noise in our lives, so we can hear that small quiet voice within us, speaking to us of our hopes and dreams.Follow this book and it will change your life -- perhaps to the chagrin of the people you now work for!

Like many of the people profiled in Clarity Quest, I had taken sabbaticals (from a week to a year and a half), trying to discover what I really wanted to do and be. Each time I found myself catching up on sleep (from stress and burnout) for the majority of the time, and then filling my time with activities to avoid the panic of still not knowing how to discover my true passion in life. In the first few pages of Clarity Quest, I found it that I was not alone - and I found a plan to clarify what I want, focus on discovering my passion in life, and achieving it all. You can have love, wealth, and a great career on your own terms. Just follow the eight week plan outlined in this book - it will guide you every step of the way.

How to take a Sabbatical...sounds interesting. And it sure is. Pam Ammondson really got to the point on helping everybody to live a better life. No false promises or just wishes. She's given wit and the good thing is that she shares it with us. And does so by combining dreamer's ideas with focused advices. What else could be better?