One year later: Retirement or a sabbatical?<\/h1>\nInspiration shot July 2026<\/h2>\n<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/header-photo-1024x505.jpeg\" "\\"header")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Lessons and insights from the best year of my life<\/h2>\n<\/div>A year ago, I announced my “retirement.” At the time, I couldn’t think of a better word. I wanted to create space. I no longer wanted to run a business, manage a team, or fill every day with meetings and commitments. So I stopped. I wanted to shift from doing to being and discover what would remain if I no longer had to do anything.<\/p>\n
Letting go took time, but I trusted the process. Before long, I couldn’t imagine how I had ever worked so hard. I attended spiritual retreats, spent a lot of time doing absolutely nothing, and slowly discovered what I did<\/em> want: helping people, coaching authors, and working live again with small, personal groups. As soon as that became clear, the right clients seemed to appear naturally.<\/p>\nLooking back, it wasn’t retirement at all. It was a sabbatical. A year in which I discovered that creating space is sometimes more important than setting goals.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the most important question this summer isn’t, “What am I going to do?” but rather, “What do I want to make space for?”<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Lessons from a “retiree”<\/h2>\n<\/div>One year later, I feel more alive than ever. I work fewer hours, my calendar is much lighter, and yet I accomplish at least as much as I used to, sometimes even more.<\/p>\n
I realized I never wanted to stop working<\/em>. I wanted to stop<\/em> running a business<\/em>.<\/p>\nA few lessons from my sabbatical:<\/p>\n
\n- The most important one: Create space in your calendar and your head.<\/li>\n
- Turn off your phone more often.<\/li>\n
- Batch your appointments and tasks.<\/li>\n
- Schedule not only productivity, but also rest and connection.<\/li>\n
- Regularly ask yourself: What really matters?<\/li>\n
- Stop doing things that are successful but no longer fit who you are.<\/li>\n
- You don’t have to wait until you’re exhausted before slowing down.<\/li>\n
- Give yourself permission to do less. You don’t have to be busy all the time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1e-foto-newsletter-884x1024.jpeg\" "\\"1e")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>From virtual assistant to Codex<\/h2>\n<\/div>During my sabbatical, I had plenty of ideas but no team or virtual assistant to execute them. That forced me to think before taking action.<\/p>\n
Then, in May, I attended a workshop in Mexico where I learned from experts how to use Codex and Claude Code without having a technical background. It completely changed the way I work.<\/p>\n
Today I’m very clear about where I want to spend my time, and these tools help me turn ideas into reality incredibly fast. I spend much less time behind my laptop and almost all of my working hours coaching people, guiding authors, and working with small VIP groups. AI isn’t the goal for me. It’s simply an extension of my brain.<\/p>\n
Apparently my enthusiasm was contagious. I decided to organize a hands-on AI workshop in Amsterdam to show fellow entrepreneurs exactly how I use these tools. The first edition sold out immediately, and so did the second. Both were a great success.<\/p>\n
That’s why I’ve scheduled a final AI-workshop on September 29<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/AI-DAG-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Inspiration bites<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>PODCAST<\/strong><\/p>\nCuriosity as the antidote to fear<\/strong><\/p>\nI recently heard a beautiful quote from author Mary Karr: “For me, the solution to fear is curiosity and presence. I can’t be terrified and curious at the same time.” The more I apply this in my own life, the more I notice that curiosity really does dissolve fear. Her conversation with Tim Ferriss about memoir writing, suffering, and curiosity is absolutely worth listening to.<\/p>\n<\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mary-Karr-Illustration-to-use-scaled-1-1024x724.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>VIDEO<\/strong><\/p>\nYou’re never too old to start over<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen I grow up, I want to be Betty.<\/p>\n
She became a National Park Ranger at 85, fought off a home intruder at 97, and still lives independently today.<\/p>\n
Her story on The Moth is funny, moving, and a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to begin a new chapter.<\/p>\n<\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Betty-Reid-1706x1200-1-1024x720.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>INTERVIEW<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat are you actually working toward?
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nExactly one year ago, I recorded this podcast. After more than 750 interviews, this may well be my favorite. It’s certainly the most personal, and perhaps also the most important. I share how the decision to “retire” came about, and why I believe so many entrepreneurs rarely stop to ask themselves what they’re actually working toward.<\/p>\n
Perhaps it will make you reflect on that question too.<\/p>\n<\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Interview-1024x719.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>FREE THEATERSHOW
\n<\/strong>One year later<\/strong><\/p>\nOn June 28, 2025, my 55th birthday, I stood on stage in Theater Amsterdam in front of 500 people. Looking back, that evening turned out to be the beginning of a completely new chapter in my life.<\/p>\n
This month you can\u00a0watch the full recording of my one-woman show<\/a> for free. Curious what I learned from the experience? Then also read my blog<\/a>\u00a0and the audience reactions to my final dance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/theatershow-1024x720.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Did you know...<\/h2>\n\u2026<\/strong><\/em>that I once kept working while I was having a miscarriage?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nMore than thirty years ago, I had a miscarriage during a workshop in Sweden. I felt horrible but continued facilitating the workshop because I believed that, as a young female professional, I had to prove myself.<\/p>\n
Looking back, I realize no one expected that of me. I put that pressure on myself.<\/p>\n
Perhaps that’s the biggest change of the past year.\u00a0The Esther of thirty years ago kept going when she had every reason to stop. The Esther of today chose to stop when, from the outside, there seemed to be no reason at all.\u00a0That decision changed my life.<\/p>\n
I recently shared this story on Facebook<\/a> for the very first time. The hundreds of responses show just how many women recognize themselves in it.<\/p>\nPerhaps you will too.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/wist-je-dat.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Where is Esther?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>After a wonderful trip to Malta with 57 (!) friends from Nyenrode University, ranging in age from 19 to “somewhere in their sixties,” including celebrating my birthday on a boat, I’m back in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
It was a special trip, although it reminded me once again how important solitude is for me – as an introvert – to recharge. To be honest, I was less impressed with Malta this third time around. I wrote a\u00a0blog<\/a> about that experience.<\/p>\nAfter Malta, I unexpectedly spent a few days in Paris for energy work and to visit friends.<\/p>\n
Now I’m enjoying a few quiet summer weeks in Amsterdam. Happy Monday Beach Tango<\/em> in Zandvoort, long walks and bike rides through the city, catching up with friends. After a year full of change, it feels surprisingly good not to have to go anywhere for a while.<\/p>\nSometimes you only realize how far you’ve come when you stop looking ahead for a moment.<\/p>\n
Have a wonderful summer!<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div>Lessons and insights from the best year of my life<\/h2>\n<\/div>A year ago, I announced my “retirement.” At the time, I couldn’t think of a better word. I wanted to create space. I no longer wanted to run a business, manage a team, or fill every day with meetings and commitments. So I stopped. I wanted to shift from doing to being and discover what would remain if I no longer had to do anything.<\/p>\n
Letting go took time, but I trusted the process. Before long, I couldn’t imagine how I had ever worked so hard. I attended spiritual retreats, spent a lot of time doing absolutely nothing, and slowly discovered what I did<\/em> want: helping people, coaching authors, and working live again with small, personal groups. As soon as that became clear, the right clients seemed to appear naturally.<\/p>\nLooking back, it wasn’t retirement at all. It was a sabbatical. A year in which I discovered that creating space is sometimes more important than setting goals.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the most important question this summer isn’t, “What am I going to do?” but rather, “What do I want to make space for?”<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Lessons from a “retiree”<\/h2>\n<\/div>One year later, I feel more alive than ever. I work fewer hours, my calendar is much lighter, and yet I accomplish at least as much as I used to, sometimes even more.<\/p>\n
I realized I never wanted to stop working<\/em>. I wanted to stop<\/em> running a business<\/em>.<\/p>\nA few lessons from my sabbatical:<\/p>\n
\n- The most important one: Create space in your calendar and your head.<\/li>\n
- Turn off your phone more often.<\/li>\n
- Batch your appointments and tasks.<\/li>\n
- Schedule not only productivity, but also rest and connection.<\/li>\n
- Regularly ask yourself: What really matters?<\/li>\n
- Stop doing things that are successful but no longer fit who you are.<\/li>\n
- You don’t have to wait until you’re exhausted before slowing down.<\/li>\n
- Give yourself permission to do less. You don’t have to be busy all the time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
From virtual assistant to Codex<\/h2>\n<\/div>During my sabbatical, I had plenty of ideas but no team or virtual assistant to execute them. That forced me to think before taking action.<\/p>\n
Then, in May, I attended a workshop in Mexico where I learned from experts how to use Codex and Claude Code without having a technical background. It completely changed the way I work.<\/p>\n
Today I’m very clear about where I want to spend my time, and these tools help me turn ideas into reality incredibly fast. I spend much less time behind my laptop and almost all of my working hours coaching people, guiding authors, and working with small VIP groups. AI isn’t the goal for me. It’s simply an extension of my brain.<\/p>\n
Apparently my enthusiasm was contagious. I decided to organize a hands-on AI workshop in Amsterdam to show fellow entrepreneurs exactly how I use these tools. The first edition sold out immediately, and so did the second. Both were a great success.<\/p>\n
That’s why I’ve scheduled a final AI-workshop on September 29<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Inspiration bites<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>PODCAST<\/strong><\/p>\nCuriosity as the antidote to fear<\/strong><\/p>\nI recently heard a beautiful quote from author Mary Karr: “For me, the solution to fear is curiosity and presence. I can’t be terrified and curious at the same time.” The more I apply this in my own life, the more I notice that curiosity really does dissolve fear. Her conversation with Tim Ferriss about memoir writing, suffering, and curiosity is absolutely worth listening to.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>VIDEO<\/strong><\/p>\nYou’re never too old to start over<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen I grow up, I want to be Betty.<\/p>\n
She became a National Park Ranger at 85, fought off a home intruder at 97, and still lives independently today.<\/p>\n
Her story on The Moth is funny, moving, and a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to begin a new chapter.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>INTERVIEW<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat are you actually working toward?
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nExactly one year ago, I recorded this podcast. After more than 750 interviews, this may well be my favorite. It’s certainly the most personal, and perhaps also the most important. I share how the decision to “retire” came about, and why I believe so many entrepreneurs rarely stop to ask themselves what they’re actually working toward.<\/p>\n
Perhaps it will make you reflect on that question too.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>FREE THEATERSHOW
\n<\/strong>One year later<\/strong><\/p>\nOn June 28, 2025, my 55th birthday, I stood on stage in Theater Amsterdam in front of 500 people. Looking back, that evening turned out to be the beginning of a completely new chapter in my life.<\/p>\n
This month you can\u00a0watch the full recording of my one-woman show<\/a> for free. Curious what I learned from the experience? Then also read my blog<\/a>\u00a0and the audience reactions to my final dance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Did you know...<\/h2>\n\u2026<\/strong><\/em>that I once kept working while I was having a miscarriage?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nMore than thirty years ago, I had a miscarriage during a workshop in Sweden. I felt horrible but continued facilitating the workshop because I believed that, as a young female professional, I had to prove myself.<\/p>\n
Looking back, I realize no one expected that of me. I put that pressure on myself.<\/p>\n
Perhaps that’s the biggest change of the past year.\u00a0The Esther of thirty years ago kept going when she had every reason to stop. The Esther of today chose to stop when, from the outside, there seemed to be no reason at all.\u00a0That decision changed my life.<\/p>\n
I recently shared this story on Facebook<\/a> for the very first time. The hundreds of responses show just how many women recognize themselves in it.<\/p>\nPerhaps you will too.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Where is Esther?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>After a wonderful trip to Malta with 57 (!) friends from Nyenrode University, ranging in age from 19 to “somewhere in their sixties,” including celebrating my birthday on a boat, I’m back in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
It was a special trip, although it reminded me once again how important solitude is for me – as an introvert – to recharge. To be honest, I was less impressed with Malta this third time around. I wrote a\u00a0blog<\/a> about that experience.<\/p>\nAfter Malta, I unexpectedly spent a few days in Paris for energy work and to visit friends.<\/p>\n
Now I’m enjoying a few quiet summer weeks in Amsterdam. Happy Monday Beach Tango<\/em> in Zandvoort, long walks and bike rides through the city, catching up with friends. After a year full of change, it feels surprisingly good not to have to go anywhere for a while.<\/p>\nSometimes you only realize how far you’ve come when you stop looking ahead for a moment.<\/p>\n
Have a wonderful summer!<\/p>\n<\/div>
A year ago, I announced my “retirement.” At the time, I couldn’t think of a better word. I wanted to create space. I no longer wanted to run a business, manage a team, or fill every day with meetings and commitments. So I stopped. I wanted to shift from doing to being and discover what would remain if I no longer had to do anything.<\/p>\n
Letting go took time, but I trusted the process. Before long, I couldn’t imagine how I had ever worked so hard. I attended spiritual retreats, spent a lot of time doing absolutely nothing, and slowly discovered what I did<\/em> want: helping people, coaching authors, and working live again with small, personal groups. As soon as that became clear, the right clients seemed to appear naturally.<\/p>\n Looking back, it wasn’t retirement at all. It was a sabbatical. A year in which I discovered that creating space is sometimes more important than setting goals.<\/p>\n Perhaps the most important question this summer isn’t, “What am I going to do?” but rather, “What do I want to make space for?”<\/p>\n<\/div> One year later, I feel more alive than ever. I work fewer hours, my calendar is much lighter, and yet I accomplish at least as much as I used to, sometimes even more.<\/p>\n I realized I never wanted to stop working<\/em>. I wanted to stop<\/em> running a business<\/em>.<\/p>\n A few lessons from my sabbatical:<\/p>\n During my sabbatical, I had plenty of ideas but no team or virtual assistant to execute them. That forced me to think before taking action.<\/p>\n Then, in May, I attended a workshop in Mexico where I learned from experts how to use Codex and Claude Code without having a technical background. It completely changed the way I work.<\/p>\n Today I’m very clear about where I want to spend my time, and these tools help me turn ideas into reality incredibly fast. I spend much less time behind my laptop and almost all of my working hours coaching people, guiding authors, and working with small VIP groups. AI isn’t the goal for me. It’s simply an extension of my brain.<\/p>\n Apparently my enthusiasm was contagious. I decided to organize a hands-on AI workshop in Amsterdam to show fellow entrepreneurs exactly how I use these tools. The first edition sold out immediately, and so did the second. Both were a great success.<\/p>\n That’s why I’ve scheduled a final AI-workshop on September 29<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> PODCAST<\/strong><\/p>\n Curiosity as the antidote to fear<\/strong><\/p>\n I recently heard a beautiful quote from author Mary Karr: “For me, the solution to fear is curiosity and presence. I can’t be terrified and curious at the same time.” The more I apply this in my own life, the more I notice that curiosity really does dissolve fear. Her conversation with Tim Ferriss about memoir writing, suffering, and curiosity is absolutely worth listening to.<\/p>\n<\/div> VIDEO<\/strong><\/p>\n You’re never too old to start over<\/strong><\/p>\n When I grow up, I want to be Betty.<\/p>\n She became a National Park Ranger at 85, fought off a home intruder at 97, and still lives independently today.<\/p>\n Her story on The Moth is funny, moving, and a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to begin a new chapter.<\/p>\n<\/div> INTERVIEW<\/strong><\/p>\n What are you actually working toward? Exactly one year ago, I recorded this podcast. After more than 750 interviews, this may well be my favorite. It’s certainly the most personal, and perhaps also the most important. I share how the decision to “retire” came about, and why I believe so many entrepreneurs rarely stop to ask themselves what they’re actually working toward.<\/p>\n Perhaps it will make you reflect on that question too.<\/p>\n<\/div> FREE THEATERSHOW On June 28, 2025, my 55th birthday, I stood on stage in Theater Amsterdam in front of 500 people. Looking back, that evening turned out to be the beginning of a completely new chapter in my life.<\/p>\n This month you can\u00a0watch the full recording of my one-woman show<\/a> for free. Curious what I learned from the experience? Then also read my blog<\/a>\u00a0and the audience reactions to my final dance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> \u2026<\/strong><\/em>that I once kept working while I was having a miscarriage?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n More than thirty years ago, I had a miscarriage during a workshop in Sweden. I felt horrible but continued facilitating the workshop because I believed that, as a young female professional, I had to prove myself.<\/p>\n Looking back, I realize no one expected that of me. I put that pressure on myself.<\/p>\n Perhaps that’s the biggest change of the past year.\u00a0The Esther of thirty years ago kept going when she had every reason to stop. The Esther of today chose to stop when, from the outside, there seemed to be no reason at all.\u00a0That decision changed my life.<\/p>\n I recently shared this story on Facebook<\/a> for the very first time. The hundreds of responses show just how many women recognize themselves in it.<\/p>\n Perhaps you will too.<\/p>\n<\/div> After a wonderful trip to Malta with 57 (!) friends from Nyenrode University, ranging in age from 19 to “somewhere in their sixties,” including celebrating my birthday on a boat, I’m back in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n It was a special trip, although it reminded me once again how important solitude is for me – as an introvert – to recharge. To be honest, I was less impressed with Malta this third time around. I wrote a\u00a0blog<\/a> about that experience.<\/p>\n After Malta, I unexpectedly spent a few days in Paris for energy work and to visit friends.<\/p>\n Now I’m enjoying a few quiet summer weeks in Amsterdam. Happy Monday Beach Tango<\/em> in Zandvoort, long walks and bike rides through the city, catching up with friends. After a year full of change, it feels surprisingly good not to have to go anywhere for a while.<\/p>\n Sometimes you only realize how far you’ve come when you stop looking ahead for a moment.<\/p>\n Have a wonderful summer!<\/p>\n<\/div>Lessons from a “retiree”<\/h2>\n<\/div>
\n
<\/span><\/div>From virtual assistant to Codex<\/h2>\n<\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Inspiration bites<\/h2>\n<\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>
\n<\/strong>One year later<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/span><\/div>Did you know...<\/h2>
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>Where is Esther?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/estherjacobs.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Waar-is-Esther-july-2026-1024x428.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>