If I had a nickel for every time my parents told me in college to “enjoy life now, because you’re going to be working the next 40+ years straight”, I probably wouldn’t have had to work at all. But the times are changing! With a cultural focus on work-life balance, companies are beginning to implement programs that allow you an opportunity to take a break from your day-to-day and experience something impactful. At Protiviti, we are proud to have a Sabbatical Program that does just that!
Let me take you on a journey to Dallas, Texas where Consultant Dillon sits as part of our Internal Audit and Financial Advisory practice. Growing up, Dillon was involved in Boy Scouts and was very adventurous, but he never actually thought he would have the possibility to fulfill a dream he has had since college: to climb and conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Dillon applied for a sabbatical through Protiviti’s program and was thrilled when he received the go-ahead to move forward. While the climb itself wasn’t easy, Dillon succeeded in reaching the highest summit in Africa (19,341 feet) after six days, alongside his best friend from college.
To round out a pretty amazing accomplishment, Dillon and his friend took off for an African tour post descent, which included scuba diving in Zanzibar (see below) and a safari in Serengeti National Park where they saw zebras, wildebeests and baboons. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like an awfully wild experience to me! All-in-all, Dillon spent three weeks abroad and noted that while it felt long, anyone considering a sabbatical should go for it because “having a company that offers these types of benefits is definitely unique”.
We couldn’t agree more, Dillon, and we can’t wait to see where your Protiviti career takes you next!
-Cait
