Steven Heller checks in with designer Stefan Sagmeister in Print Magazine about his second, self-imposed “year without clients” in Bali. Ever since his first sabbatical in 2001 (spent at home in New York City), Sagmeister now structures his business to allow for this period of experimentation once every seven years. And while he may have had the fortunate foresight to schedule this time away before the current economic downturn, recessionary times often lead to advances and innovation in design and the arts. With today’s uncertainly of not knowing if one will even be able to retire, why not make use of some of that time now and put it to work? What else might we learn from Sagmeister and his time away? “When attacked by hollow-eyed Balinese dogs, I can make them scatter by pretending to pick up a stone.”
January 20th, 2009 at 12:33 am
If you’re a designer taking a break, Bali’s the place to do it. There’s traditionally been little separation between art, work and life. The kids go to academic school in the morning, then learn traditional crafts in the afternoon. The religion is Hindu, without the massive poverty and worn out countryside of India. In this atmosphere, every rice field has its own shrine. Sure it’s third world, but the land is rich and fertile.
Admittedly, this is based on a trip over 10 years ago but I expect it hasn’t changed that much. The beach resorts are gaudy and could be on any tropical oceanfront but inland it’s all art. And at least then it was remarkably cheap with wonderful local food.
January 20th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Is there any reason why 7 years should be the time period for taking a sebatical?
Teachers in Ontario are given the option to do ‘4 over 5′ where they get pay for 4 years over the space of 5 years. The fifth year can be used for personal / professional development. A friend of mine claims to be painting with his first stint but I suspect he’s also doing a fair amount of video game playing.
Another option I’ve heard from an enthusiastic out doorsman friend of mine (who works in an office) is the notion of having a summer job with fewer hours / responsibilities.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:57 am
The seventh year sabbatical is based in the Old Testament, the seventh day (sabbath) was holy, a day of rest, and it got extended to the seventh year. I think it was also a year the land laid fallow to rest it. I expect since early colleges were church-based the custom spread that way.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:35 am
Wow, that’s amazing!
It sounds like it could be time to revisit the logic.
Thanks for the help Michael.