Today begins my second sabbatical from Redgate Software. I took one a few years ago, and it was a really interesting period of growth for me. I planned out quite a bit, tackling a few different learning areas, and enjoyed it immensely. I'm due again, actually, I'm about 18 months late, but it's been a busy time in life and trying to fit this in has taken some doing. It finally starts, and this is my last editorial for six weeks as I'll be away from work. Kathi Kellenberger, editor of Simple Talk, will primarily be covering for me, but Kendra and Grant will be helping as well.

I don't have any big plans this time, but instead decided to focus on things closer to home. My children have all grown up and left the house, and it's been a strange year for my wife and me. Since they've somewhat moved on, there are a few things we'd like to tackle around the house that we've delayed and avoided for years. The last few months have had us doing a little Marie Kon'ing, and I want to continue that in a few ways that might help me learn a bit about myself and life.

I have some house projects to tackle, which I'll document on my blog, as well as a personal project. I hope to spend a significant portion of most days on these projects, while also finding some time to ski with my wife and enjoy the Colorado winter. I'm hoping this is a good break from work and life that will recharge me and get me ready to tackle the rest of what I expect will be a busy 2020.

Work is important to me, and while I greatly appreciate this benefit, I also have obligations. There is one conference near the end of my sabbatical that I submitted to speak at and will attend for a couple days, so I'll likely be back on Feb 26. I'll also still pay authors while I'm gone as it's easier for me to do this for half an hour a month than try to get someone else set up.

I don't know if I think this is a valuable benefit that every company should offer, but I do know that my first one was something I greatly appreciated and it went a long way towards making me think about life and things away from work. My career has been a big part of my life, and I enjoy that, but I also know there is likely a time to retire, and there are other things out there. Getting away for weeks lets me keep everything in perspective, as well as just enjoy a number of days where I'm not pushing bits around.

I'm looking forward to the break, and I'll see you in six weeks.