It’s nice to see that other Americans are embracing the concept of taking a career break or sabbatical, as featured in two recent New York Times articles:

“Those ‘Gap Years’ Aren’t Just for Students”

Dennis R. Sinar, 61, a doctor from Washington, N.C., is quick to explain why he took a yearlong break from his job.

“I was pretty burned out after practicing medicine for 26 years,” said Dr. Sinar, a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. “I needed a recharge.”

So he took a “gap year,” from July 2007 to June 2008, to explore things like stone masonry, antique restoration, archaeology and traditional Eastern medicine, in locations spanning from Alaska to Nepal to Romania. “I think everyone in his heart of hearts has some things they have always wanted to do but for one reason or other never does,” Dr. Sinar said.

Read more about American’s taking career breaks at The New York Times online.

“Finding New Energy by Detouring From the Fast Track”

Taking off for an extended period can be a rare opportunity to recharge, recalibrate the life-work equation or reinvent yourself. And whether that break is paid for by an employer, supported by a grant from a foundation or financed by personal savings, many people are turning to timeouts to figure out their next steps.

Read more about American’s taking sabbaticals at The New York Times online.