Sabbeardical (suh-BEER’-duh-kuhl) noun: A period of unemployment filled with adventure, learning and tonsorial experimentation. See also- Shavecation, Hirsute Pursuit
Dispatch #1
What, are you crazy? That was the reaction from several friends to my decision to walk away from a lucrative, some might say prestigious career with no plan B. My answer- Yes I am. Crazy like a weasel. The plan is to do whatever I want for the remainder of 2016, let my wife continue to work so I can stay on her insurance and hope a great new career opportunity will be waiting for me at the end. Brilliant, no? If you’re considering making a similarly reckless life decision, please follow my adventures on this blog. You might be inspired to follow my example or hang on to whatever gig you have for dear life. But first:
THE TOP FIVE REASONS I BUGGED OUT:
1) I was burned out. At a point in my career where I thought things would get easier, they’ve only become more difficult (and less fun). I thrive on deadline pressure and enjoy the immediate feedback from social media that has become a huge part of local TV news’ survival strategy, but the frantic push to pump out more news sometimes at the expense of better news sucked a lot of the joy out of the business for me.
2) I was bored. Because I don’t want to appear ungrateful by throwing shade at an industry that paid me so handsomely for so many years, I’ll save this topic for another day. Suffice to say, I stopped watching local news which is like a chef not eating their own cooking.
3) I was curious about what else I might be good at. Scrimshaw? Fighting oil fires? Banjo repair? Check fraud?
4) I was scared of dying (probably by mob lynching) before I had a chance to experience the freedom of un- or self employment. I’ve never had more than two weeks off in a row for 40 freaking years.
5) I was able to. Don’t think I’m being so courageous here. My wife and I saved up enough acorns over the years to make this break possible without having to move into the Dutch Motel on Nebraska. I will have to go back to productive work eventually, but not until I’m good and ready.
So from here on out, I hope you’ll check in on my travels, foibles, peccadillos, adventures, contretemps and shenanigans. Wait.. Huh? Oh. My wife says no peccadillos.
sabbeardicaldotcom 
So very happy for you Brendan. I really get joy out of watching you have fun. We were on the same ride for so long. I kinda get you. 🙂 ENJOY
LikeLike
Love me some Linda. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend.
LikeLike
With all of your talents, all of us who know you know that you have so much more to offer! You are not crazy to me, you are a visionary risk taker. Dream on friend, and your next adventure will find its way to your doorstep.
LikeLike
Thanks Sarah. Glad we’re still in touch!
LikeLike
Wish you the best, Brendan. You’re on to something great! Will miss seeing you on the news, but GO FOR IT! Life is short.
Pal Patti
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Patti. More time to see live music. Hope we can meet up at a show soon!
LikeLike
You are my hero! Go baby go!
LikeLike
I admire you Brendan. I’m watching from afar and who knows… maybe I would be lucky enough to do the same someday. Best to you.
LikeLike
You shall be my mentor for our similar adventure, or Bearded One.
LikeLike
Sounds wonderful!
LikeLike
Loving this, and relating to all of it. Interesting how we were both thinking the same things at the same time. The “freedom” part was hurled at me on a rusty platter (on the 28th anniversary of continuous employment in broadcasting), but I’ve maintained all along that those 3 mos. of skiing every day (and growing a beard) weren’t the worst thing that ever happened to me. Please, do well and give me hope 😉
LikeLike
Thanks Bob. We’re both lucky dudes!
LikeLike
Brendan, this is Eric Torres from Hitch. You interviewed me last year sometime. I think it’s awesome what you’re doing. Hit me up sometime if you’re ever in the mood to brainstorm. eric@hitchit.co
LikeLike
Sounds good. Hope you’re doing well and thanks for checking out the blog.
LikeLike