Sabbatical in Bali

Ben Feder loved the excitement of his job, taking over companies and making them profitable. His coup was the takeover Take Two Interactive, publisher of the video game, Grand Theft Auto. Once the takeover was successful, someone had to run the company, and Ben was elected. For awhile it was great, but after four years he was suffering from burnout. His wife was unhappy with their lack of communication, and his kids hardly knew him.

After much discussion and soul searching, Ben and his wife, Victoria, hit on an idea. Why not take a sabbatical in a foreign country. After searching a variety of locations, they settled on Bali. There was a school, the Green School, for the children, the weather was great, and it was affordable. The time in Bali changed their lives.

This book is the author’s first hand account of the family’s eight-month sabbatical. It follows them from the decision to take a break to the changes in lifestyle they experienced in Bali. Instead of going to the office every day, Ben was free to focus on yoga and meditation. The diet consisted of much fresh food and at the end, they felt healthier.

The book also follows what happened after the magical time in Bali. It’s not always easy to reintegrate with your company after an experience like that, but Ben had grown and was able to find a way to a more successful life. If you’re feeling burnout in your job, this is a great read.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.