During one of the short breaks we had at the Unplug Retreat, my roommates and I decided to play a card game called Comfort Cards. The deck had different categories—Love, Career, etc.—and we chose to focus on the Career section.
Each person took turns answering a prompt from the card. But right when it was my turn, the organizers called everyone into the main hall as the session was about to start.
As we settled into our seats, my roommate, curious about my answer, nudged me and asked, “What was your card?”
I flipped it over and read aloud:
“What do you think is preventing you from accelerating faster in your career?”
She blinked in surprise and said, “Isn’t that the opposite of your story?”
Yes. Yes, it is.
And that moment stirred something in me. I had briefly shared snippets of my career journey with them during the retreat, but I realized that maybe it was time to write it down and share it more intentionally—with you.
How God Accelerated My Career
I graduated in 2016 with a degree in Electronics Engineering and passed the board exam later that year. In 2017, I was blessed with the opportunity to pursue a post-graduate diploma in electronics. From there, I entered the workforce and spent the next eight years working in three large electronics companies.
During that time, God opened door after door. I advanced faster than the norm, eventually landing the role of Principal Electronics Engineer in my late 20’s. To give context: in my first company, it would have taken someone more than a decade to reach that level. My job grade matched that of peers in their late 30s—even 40s.
It didn’t come without its own set of inner challenges. I wrestled with insecurity about my age and my capabilities. But I constantly brought those fears to the Lord.
I was passionate about my work. I gave every project my best—working passionately, leading initiatives, and serving with full commitment. Even in moments of burnout or frustration, I clung to the truth that God planted me in this field for a reason, and I wanted to glorify Him through my excellence.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” —Colossians 3:23
Still, as the years passed, God began to shift something deep within me.
When God Redirects a Heart
Even as I succeeded in my career, the Holy Spirit was doing quiet, powerful work in me. Through every high and low—every answered prayer, every tear, every season of pain, loss, and growth—God was drawing me closer and closer to Him.
The more I knew Him, the more my heart changed. The desire to achieve started to be replaced with a longing to simply be in His presence. The peace I felt in quiet moments with God was unmatched. The verse in Psalm 37:4 became real to me:
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
I began to understand: when we truly delight in Him, He plants new desires in us. And for me, one of those desires was to enter a season of sabbatical—a pause from career acceleration, to dwell with God in deeper intimacy.
It didn’t make sense to others. It barely made sense to me at first. Why stop now, at the height of a thriving career?
But that’s the thing about following God. Sometimes, He accelerates you… so He can later slow you down—for His greater purpose.
Why I Took a Sabbatical
To answer the earlier card’s question—“What helped me accelerate faster in my career?”—the answer is simple: God. He opened the doors, gave me the favor, built my resilience, and equipped me for each season.
And perhaps, He allowed me to experience those career victories so that when it was time to let go, I would know that I lacked nothing.
My sabbatical journey wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. It came after months of wrestling, praying, seeking, and surrendering. But here I am, now in a season where I wake up slowly, read the Bible unhurriedly, journal, blog, walk under the sun, and enjoy God’s presence daily. And I’ve never felt more full.
For Anyone Considering a Sabbatical
If you’re sensing that God may be calling you to step back from your career for a while, here’s my encouragement:
1. Don’t take it—just yet.
This isn’t something to rush into. When I first felt the tug to take a sabbatical, I prayed about it for 3 months. I brought my fears and concerns to the Lord, wrote down all the reasons I felt hesitant, and allowed God to work on my heart. He didn’t just change my situation—He changed me.
Reflection Question: What are the fears that are holding you back? Have you brought them to God in prayer?
2. Seek wise counsel.
While God is our ultimate guide, Scripture also teaches us the value of seeking advice:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” —Proverbs 15:22
I talked to my pastor, spiritual mentors, partner, mom, sisters, and closest friends. Yes, I was scared. What if they disagreed? What if they didn’t understand?
But I’ve learned that true counsel, when rooted in love and faith, can redirect us wisely—even when it’s hard to hear.
Reflection Question: Who are the people in your life who love you and hear from God? Have you invited them into your discernment process?
3. Know your “why.”
Why are you considering a sabbatical? Is it rest? Burnout? A desire for clarity? A spiritual calling?
Write it down. Make it clear. Your “why” will be your anchor when doubt comes. I even answered a self-reflection questionnaire to get to the root of my decision.
For me, my “why” is this: I believe God is inviting me into a deeper life with Him. To read Scripture more intentionally, live slowly, blog about His goodness, and simply enjoy the life He’s promised.
Reflection Question: What is your heart longing for right now? Is your desire aligned with what glorifies God?
4. Be considerate. Think beyond yourself.
Faith does not mean irresponsibility. We must also consider those affected by our decision.
In Joshua 9, the Israelites made a covenant with deceptive neighbors without consulting the Lord. The result? Trouble.
“The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.” —Joshua 9:14
If you’re a parent, breadwinner, or have debts or responsibilities, bring those things before God. Surrender them one by one. God may provide miraculously—or He may ask you to wait a little longer.
Reflection Question: Who would be affected by your sabbatical? Have you lifted their needs to the Lord in prayer?
Final Encouragement
Taking a sabbatical is not for everyone. But for some, it’s part of God’s design to restore, redirect, and rebuild.
It may not look practical. It may not make sense to the world. But if God is the one calling you into it, He will sustain you through it.
“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land… You will be like a well-watered garden.” —Isaiah 58:11
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to trust the One who holds your future.
If this story spoke to you or you’re in a similar season of seeking God’s direction, I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments—your story might encourage someone else too.
And if you’d like to receive more reflections on faith, rest, and calling, you’re warmly invited to subscribe to the blog.
Let’s walk this journey together—slowly, prayerfully, and faithfully.
Faithfully,
Yani 💛
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