SAY-Batical Reflections

Gareth Bridgman writes about his time on sabbatical and how reflection, recharging and resetting is an overlooked necessity.

After six and a half years at SAY Property, I asked for something I'd never asked before: extended time away. Not just a long holiday: a two-month sabbatical.

At SAY, we talk a lot about people-first culture and that our employees really are at the heart of our success. We work hard, we grow fast, and we set a high bar. But that only works if we’re also giving ourselves the space to reflect, recharge and reset.

So, with the blessings of this great company - that’s exactly what I did.

My sabbatical began in Vietnam, travelling from the beaches of Phu Quoc to the winding mountain roads of the Ha Giang Loop in the far north. Along the way, I explored the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, the energy and organised chaos of Hanoi, and the limestone beauty of Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay. What stood out wasn’t just the scenery — it was the incredible warmth and friendliness of the people, the contrast between the buzzing cities and the utter tranquillity of rural life.

From there, I flew to Japan, where I met up with three friends I first bonded with during a ski season in St Anton back in 2016. We had two incredible nights in Tokyo, then spent eight days skiing deep powder and tree lines in Hokkaido. The highlight? A bluebird day skiing down Asahidake, Japan’s tallest active volcano. Every evening, before dinner (and the food culture…just wow), we soaked in onsens — a Japanese tradition that became a daily reset.

Next up was Australia, where I travelled down the east coast visiting old school and university friends in Sydney and Melbourne. I even caught up with two SAY colleagues (past and present) for lunch — proving that work-life balance doesn’t mean switching off entirely, just reframing how we connect. There’s something grounding about seeing familiar faces in unfamiliar places.

I ended my trip in Sri Lanka, a country that packs a remarkable amount into a small island. I travelled inland to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, then wound my way through the hill country from Kandy to Ella — a train journey as scenic as it is iconic. From there, I headed south to the coast. Hiriketiya was particularly unforgettable — a laid-back blend of surf, swim, and sunset dining that felt like the perfect exhale after weeks on the move.

When I returned, I didn’t just feel rested. I felt energised, motivated, and clear-headed in a way I hadn’t realised I’d been missing. I came back with a new sense of perspective — not just on life, but on work too. Fresh ideas, renewed focus, and the kind of calm that helps you solve problems better and lead more effectively.

At SAY, we champion long-term relationships, high performance, and providing a service to our clients with a personal touch. But none of that happens in a vacuum. It takes people who feel supported, inspired, and empowered to do their best work. My sabbatical reminded me of the importance of exactly that.

If you're thinking about asking for time out, don’t just think of it as time off. Think of it as a powerful way to come back stronger — for yourself, and for the business.

And in case I was too quick to settle back into the fast lane, life intervened: less than 48 hours after returning, I shattered my distal radius playing football. Apparently, I’ll go to great lengths to extend a sabbatical…