Have you ever felt the pull to hit pause on life’s daily grind and chase a dream that feels just out of reach? For one American couple, that dream wasn’t just a fleeting thought—it became a reality. They packed up their lives, left their jobs, and moved their young family across the globe for a 13-month adventure in Taiwan. What unfolded was more than a getaway; it was a transformative journey that reshaped their priorities, deepened family ties, and sparked a fresh perspective on life. Their story might just inspire you to rethink what’s possible.
Why Take a Family Sabbatical?
The idea of stepping away from careers and routines to live abroad might sound like a fantasy reserved for the ultra-wealthy or the unattached. But for this couple, both in their mid-30s, it was a deliberate choice rooted in a desire to prioritize family and personal growth. They didn’t want to wait for “someday” to create lasting memories with their son and grandparents. As I’ve often found, the moments we cherish most are the ones we carve out intentionally, even when the logistics seem daunting.
Making time for what matters most can’t wait forever. You’ve got to seize the moment while it’s there.
– Life coach specializing in family dynamics
Their decision wasn’t impulsive. It stemmed from a heartfelt trip years earlier when they visited extended family in Taiwan. Watching their young son bond with his grandparents left a lasting impression. That emotional connection, coupled with a yearning to explore their roots, planted the seed for a sabbatical—a purposeful break to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine their future.
Planning a Life-Changing Move
Moving a family halfway across the world isn’t something you do on a whim. It took five years of meticulous planning and saving to make this dream a reality. The couple set a goal to save $60,000, treating it like a major home renovation project. They used budgeting tools to track every dollar, cut unnecessary expenses, and kept their eyes on the prize: a year-plus of freedom to live abroad without financial stress.
- Budgeting wisely: They used a budgeting app to monitor savings and spending.
- Minimizing expenses: Paid-off cars and a modest mortgage kept costs low.
- Income stream: Renting out their home covered their mortgage during the sabbatical.
Logistics were another hurdle. Securing visas, finding an apartment, and timing the move to align with their son’s kindergarten year required months of preparation. The husband, born in Taiwan, used his citizenship to streamline the process, while his wife secured a spousal visa. Their son even got his own Taiwanese passport. It’s the kind of planning that makes you realize how much intentionality goes into living out a big dream.
Embracing a New Way of Life
Once in Taiwan, the family settled into a rhythm that felt both foreign and freeing. Taipei’s vibrant streets, bustling night markets, and rich cultural tapestry became their new backyard. For the couple, the sabbatical wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about living intentionally. They wanted their son to soak up his heritage, build a bond with his grandparents, and experience a world beyond their Ohio hometown.
What struck me most about their story is how they leaned into the slower pace. Without the pressure of demanding jobs, they had time to focus on what mattered: family dinners, weekend trips to Taiwan’s lush mountains, and quiet moments with loved ones. The husband even took advantage of Taiwan’s universal healthcare to prioritize his mental and physical health—something he’d put on the back burner for years.
Sometimes, stepping away from the hustle gives you the clarity to see what you’ve been missing.
Perhaps the most surprising part? They found joy in living on less. Without the pressure to chase high salaries, they discovered that happiness didn’t come from a bigger paycheck but from shared experiences and meaningful connections.
Redefining Career and Success
For the husband, the sabbatical was a chance to hit reset on his career. He’d spent years in sales, chasing promotions and bigger bonuses, only to feel unfulfilled. The break gave him space to reflect on what he truly wanted. With time to meditate, exercise, and even work with a psychiatrist, he gained clarity on his values. He realized that climbing the corporate ladder wasn’t his path to happiness.
By spring, he and his wife had a heart-to-heart about their future. They agreed that returning to their old high-pressure jobs wasn’t necessary. Instead, they wanted careers that offered flexibility and aligned with their newfound priorities. It’s a bold move, don’t you think? To walk away from society’s definition of success and choose a life that feels authentic?
| Life Aspect | Before Sabbatical | During Sabbatical |
| Career Focus | High-pressure sales | Personal growth, reflection |
| Family Time | Limited by work | Daily bonding, shared adventures |
| Financial Priority | Maximizing income | Living on less, prioritizing joy |
The wife, meanwhile, used the sabbatical to explore entrepreneurial ideas. She drafted plans for a vending machine business and a play cafe for families—ventures she hopes to pursue back in the U.S. Their story reminds me that sometimes, stepping away from the grind unlocks creativity you didn’t know you had.
A Growing Family and New Plans
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? During their sabbatical, the couple welcomed a new addition: a daughter born in Taiwan. The timing wasn’t planned, but Taiwan’s excellent healthcare system made it a smooth experience. With a newborn in tow, their return to the U.S. was delayed slightly, but they’re now preparing to head back as a family of four.
Their plans for the future are practical yet inspiring. Finding a job with health insurance is the top priority, but they’re open to roles that offer flexibility—like remote work options that could let them spend summers in Taiwan. The wife’s entrepreneurial dreams are also taking shape, with business plans ready to launch. It’s a reminder that big life changes often spark new beginnings.
Lessons from a Year Abroad
What can we take away from this family’s journey? For one, it’s a powerful reminder that time is finite. The couple didn’t want to wait until retirement to make memories with their son and grandparents. They chose to act now, while everyone was healthy and able to connect. It’s a choice that resonates deeply, especially when life feels like it’s moving too fast.
- Seize the moment: Don’t wait for the “perfect” time to pursue a dream.
- Plan diligently: Big moves require saving, research, and preparation.
- Embrace flexibility: Living on less can open doors to more meaningful experiences.
- Prioritize relationships: Family bonds are worth more than career accolades.
Their story also challenges the idea that success means more money or a fancier job title. By stepping away from the rat race, they found joy in simplicity and connection. It’s a perspective shift that might make you wonder: what’s holding you back from chasing your own version of a life-changing adventure?
How to Make Your Own Sabbatical Happen
Feeling inspired? A family sabbatical doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Here’s how you can start planning your own, based on what worked for this couple:
- Set a clear goal: Decide how long you want to be away and where you’ll go.
- Save strategically: Use budgeting tools and cut non-essential spending.
- Minimize commitments: Pay off debts or find ways to cover ongoing costs like rent.
- Research logistics: Look into visas, healthcare, and schooling for kids.
- Plan for re-entry: Think about jobs or projects for when you return.
It’s not about having all the answers upfront. As this couple showed, it’s about taking small, intentional steps toward a bigger vision. Maybe your sabbatical isn’t a year abroad—maybe it’s a summer in a new city or a few months to focus on a passion project. Whatever it is, the key is to start.
In the end, this family’s 13-month journey wasn’t just about living in Taiwan—it was about redefining what matters most. They traded the comfort of routine for the uncertainty of adventure and came out stronger, happier, and more connected. Their story leaves me wondering: what could a bold leap like this do for you? If you’re feeling the itch to shake things up, maybe it’s time to start planning your own life-changing journey.
